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If^ ^ \]^ UTH.Of &tO r LfEFE £P.5 F JlTON STW V.
COMPLETE MANUAL
^or t|c Cultibatioii
ov
THE CRANBERRY,
WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST VAKIETIES.
BY B. EASTWOOD.
lEPTIlIU?," OF THE KEVf YORK TK1B0NB.
NEW YOEK:
c.
M. SAXTOX &
CO.,
AGRICULTUIIAL BOOK PUBLISHERS,
140 Fc I.TON Street.
1857.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by
C. M. SAXTON, & CO,.
lu the Clerk'a Office of the District Court of the Uuited Slates, for the Southern Distiictof
New York.
-lititDaiU ©. Jenkins, '^nnUr,
\ 0 . 2 6 F K A >' K F 0 K T STREET.
DEDICATION.
TO THE
Hon. HORACE GREELEY,
Editor of the 1nev>^ Yokk Tribune, and the Untirinq
Advocate of whatever may develop the Agricul-
tural Resources of the Country.
This Manual is Inscribed by
THE AUTHOR.
C3)
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I.
PAGB
Natural History of the Craxbebry
CHAPTER II.
19
First Growers '
Difficulties of Cultivation— Failures and their Causes-The
Fruits of Experience— Average Yields of Early Crops.
CHAPTER III.
Proper Locations of Cranberry Patches 26
Uplands not Suitable-Reasons Why-Stagnant Water— Best
Aspects— Situations— Shelter Required.
CHAPTER IV.
EPARiNG Them
CHAPTER V.
Soils and Modes of Preparing Them 34
40
Vines
Time for Selection-Healthy Vines-Their Appearance-Un-
healthy Vines— Signs of.
CHAPTER VI.
46
Cban-berry Patch
How to Make— When to Make.
(6)
VI CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VIL
PAGE
Planting Vines 49
Time for Removing the Vine — Best time for Planting —
Methods of Planting — Sod Planting, objections to — Separa-
tion of Sod Vines — How to place the Ptoots and the Run-
ners— Cutting Planting, Method of— Broadcast Method —
Propagation from the Seed in the Berry — Methods of—
Objections to.
CHAPTER VIIL
Treatment of Young Vines 57
Weeding — Hoeing — Flooding.
CHAPTER IX.
Blossoming Time — Precautions Required 61
CHAPTER X.
Diseases of the Cranberry 64
The Worm— Two Kinds— One attacks the Vine, and the other
the Fruit— Fire Blight— Rot— Best Remedy for the Worm.
CHAPTER XI.
Cranberry Picking Time 69
Different Methods of Picking — Raking — Packing.
CHAPTER XII.
The Great Cranberry Markets 71
Boston — New York — Philadelphia — Influence of Climate on
Prices— Relative Value of Different Species of Cranberries
— The Increase in the Consumption of Cranberries.
CHAPTER XIII.
Tee OxYCoccce Palustris, or Upi^and Cranberry 77
CONTEXTS. VU
CORRESPOiNDENOE.
PAGB
Letteks from Gkowers — Practical Hints, &c 81
Vines, where to be had 108
Appendix to the Manual 109
Flint's Statistics and Method of. Culture 110
Leland's Method 113
ILLUSTRATIONS.
TITLE PAGE 1
BELL CRANBERRY 18
BUGLE " 18
CHERRY '<• 18
HEALTHY VINE 41
SOD PLANTING , . o 52
CENTRAL CUTTING PLANTING 53
CUTTING PLANTING. 54
DISEASES c 64
CRANBERRIES OF COMMERCE 75
(8)
®o t(je %mhx.
Every one connected with agriciiLtiiral pursuits in
this country, must be aware that there exists at pre-
sent considerable anxiety respecting the best modes of
cultivating the cranberry. Having been attracted to
this subject, I paid particular attention to it, and in-
stituted a series of investigations, with special refer-
ence to raising the berry as an article of commerce.
In these, I was materially assisted by some of the
most successful growers in the country, whose "yards"
I visited, and whose experiences I received from their
own lips. The results of these investigations I par-
tially embodied in a series of letters which were made
public through the columns of the "New York
Tribune," and so great was the attention they excited,
and so many letters asking for further information
were forwarded to me, that I concluded to embody my
own experience, and that of others on the subject, in
the manual which is now before the reader. In it, any
1*
10 TO THE READER.
intelligent farmer will find all the knowledge lie can
require for raising tlie cranberry. It only remains for
me generally, to thank the many gentlemen who have
favored me with their experiences, and to call atten-
tion to the valuable letters which are incorporated
with this work, and to note the designs by J. E. Dix,
Esq., which were made under my own directions from
nature, and are accurate in all respects.
January, 1856.
THE CPiANBERllY.
CHATTER I.
NATURAL HISTORY OF THE CRANBERRY.
If tlie traveUer over Cape Cod wiU now and then
turn his eye toAvard the borders of the many ponds
which abound in that region, or occasionaUy examine
the margin of swampy tracts, he wHl frequently per-
ceive patches, as they are technicaUy termed, of a
strange-looking, and at first sight, a seemingly stunted
vegetation, presenting very different appearances to
those exhibited by fields of stately Indian corn; or
tracts of farm land, where the tall stalks of the rye
wave, and ears of wheat look golden in the sunshine
of summer.
A certain preciseness of planting, and regularity of
disposition, convinces even the most careless observer,
that these patches are by no means unproductive.
And if he chooses to inquire of the next person he
meets, he wiU learn that these, to him singular-looking
specimens of farmmg, are cranberry grounds.
(11)
12 THE CRANBERRY,
We have selected Cape Cod as the imaginary field
of our illustration, inasmuch as that erroneously sup-
posed exclusively sandy region contains within its
boundaries more cranberry yards than any other
locality of similar dimensions, that we are aware o£
The reason why it should be so, is obvious enough.
Its mixture of sand and soil, its peculiar climate, its
exemption from early frosts, — matters to which, with
others relevant to the subject, we shall hereafter refer
— are all favorable to the production of cranberries.
Indeed, this berry promises to share, with the codfish,
a great local popularity.
There are many other parts of this great country
where cranberries are grown, but it is confessed on all
hands, that Cape Cod takes the lead in this enterprise.
Her few growers have achieved a reputation for their
fruit, which already commands ready sales, and the
best prices. This circumstance has of late drawn at-
tention to the growing of cranberries, as a money-
making undertaking; and curiosity having been once
excited, it is not likely to be allayed, until growers in
other parts of the States spring up, and like their Cape
Cod brethren, succeed in making otherwise unproduc-
tive tracts of land both fruitful and a source of gain.
For there are at this moment thousands of acres of
swampy and sandy places, in the great West and in the
South, Avhich by a little labor can be converted into
THE CRANBERRY. 13
cranberry grounds. The only difficulty experienced
by tlioso who are inclined to enter this field of agri-
cultural industry, is the difficulty experienced by every
other new enterprise, — the want of knowing how to
begin, — and when begun, how to carry it on to a suc-
cessful issue. Hitherto, no reliable instructions have
appeared in print, but in the following pages, the sub-
ject will be so fully treated of, in all its bearings, that
any intelligent agriculturist will, by following the
hints thrown out, and the dh-ections giveii, find no
difficulty whatever in securing decent crops of this in-
creasingly popular berry.
The cranberry has long been known to naturalists
as a berry possessing certain properties and peculiari-
ties, although but comparatively few years have
elapsed since its use as a culinary fruit ha^ been exten-
sively known. Long years ago, it was used by the
Indians, Avho in their way were extensively acquainted
with the products of the soil ; they gathered, and
roasted the unripe berries and used them as poultices,
believing that when applied to the wounds made by
poisoned arrows, they had the power of drawing
the venom forth. Many a squaw of the Pequods on
Cape Cod, if we may credit the statements of some of
the early settlers, made a mess of cranberries to give a
relish to the venison they killed and cooked ; thus an-
ticipating the more elaborate jelly of our own times,
14 THE CllANBERRY.
or the cranberry sauce, without which a thanksgiving
turkey is now considered shorn of half its glory.
These cranberries, however, Avere wild, and of an
austere flavor, just as the potatoes which Sir Walter
Ealeigh first discovered and carried with him to Eng-
land were but the puny progenitors of the large and
mealy affau's which now, as Chenangoes, Irish, or
under other specific names, appear daily on every table.
It is not positiveh^ known from what jDarticular
country the cranberry originally came. Most pro-
bably, like many other fruits and plants, it is indi-
genous to many soils. One thing is certain, that in
various parts of America, both North and South, it
exists in a wild state, in various parts, in great profu-
sion, and it is not unreasonable to suppose, that there
are at this moment uncountable acres in this country
w^here it abounds unheeded, and only allowed to run
w^aste because the value of the berries is not knovrn.
On many of the vast steppes of Eussia wild cranberries
abound, and even amid the wastes of Siberia it is oc-
casionally to be met with. Indeed, the Eussian cran-
berries proved for a long tune to be no inconsiderable
portion of the exports of that country, and even until
the breaking out of the Eastern War, there were to be
seen among bales of hides, hogsheads of tallow, bundles
of bristles, and bales of hemp, certain quaint-looking
earthen jars, which contained cranberries for the use
THE ENGLISH CRANBEREY". 15
of the lords and ladies of London. And it was only
such, who could afford to pay the high prices de-
manded for these Muscovite luxuries. Now that the
Crimean War has effectually put a stop to the impor-
tation of Russian cranberries, it is but reasonable to
suppose that the American article will monopolize the
English market.
At the present time, there are but two kinds of cran-
berries in the market — ^these ar« known as the English
and American cranberry. Without entering into
scientific details, or perplexing the reader with botan-
ical technicalities, we will, as concisely as may be,
describe both kinds, and their special peculiarities.
THE ENGLISH CRANBERRY.
(OXYCOCCTJS PALT78TKIS.)
This species of cranberry abounds in many of the
marshy and fenny districts of England, and in some
parts of Ireland. In the latter country, they are
scarcely noticed by the peasantry, who seem to devote
all their energies to the cultivation of the inevitable
potato. There are two counties in the midland, or
rather eastern districts of England, which are cele-
brated for the large extent of marshes and fens they
contain. Indeed, many portions of Norfolk and Lin-
colnshire are mere bogs, or swamps, at certain rainy
16 THE ENGLISH CRANBERRY.
seasons ; thousands of acres are submerged, the only
harvest supplied bj them being wild ducks and the
like, for the great markets of the principal cities.
In these counties, the wild cranberry is found in
great abundance, but it is a peculiarity of the plant,
that it never grows among the stagnant water, but
wherever found, it always flourishes by the side of the
numerous little rills which feed the great fens. From
this fact, very useful hints may be taken by the grower
of the cultivated vine, as we shall have hereafter occa-
sion to show. The English fruit is scarcely as large
as an ordinary green pea, it is of a pale-red color, and
having an austere and almost acrid taste. It possesses
a bitter principle, on which its peculiar flavor mainly
depends, and a small portion of tannin, which renders
the raw berrj^ somewhat astringent. This principle,
however, and of course its effects, are destroyed in
cooking. The English housewife from this berry
manufactures marmalade, jelly, jam, and the like, and
for puddings and pies are much prized; but in her
cuisne the delicately flavored cultivated cranberry is
not known, excepting indeed her master, on his return
from a visit to London, brings with him a bottle of
the American cranberries, for which he has paid the
not very moderate price of five shillings (or nearly
a dollar and a quarter) sterling. This leads us to be-
lieve that if our transatlantic parent, John BuU, was to
THE AMERICAN CRANBERRY. 17
exercise as much diligence and tact as his son Jonathan
has done on this side the ocean, in cultivating the cran-
berry vines of the fens, he would reap an abundant
harvest from lands which are now lying as barren
wastes. But while the present war lasts, there is little
chance of his going ahead in this particular depart-
ment of agriculture ; and therefore the growers here
will doubtless, for a long time to come, find a market
in England for the species we will next call the reader's
attention to.
THE AMERICAN CRANBERRY.
(OXTOOOCUS MAOEOOAKPT78.)
It is scarcely necessary to say much about a berry,
which must be so familiar to almost all, as is the
American cranberry. Of course it has the same gene-
ral properties as the English fruit, but yet there are
important differences, as well as resemblances. While
the English berry is small, of a pale red, the American
one is large, and richly colored ; some specimens are as
deeply crimsoned as a dark-hued cherry. The leaves,
blossom, and fruit of the latter also, are much larger,
and the flavor greatly superior ; by some the reverse
has been asserted, but from experience, and practical
knowledge, we can testify to the superiority of the
American cranberry over all others that we have ever
met with.
18 AMERICAN VARIETIES.
The American cranberry, is divided bj growers and
dealers into tbree great varieties. These are^
1. The bell cranberry.
2. The bugle cranberry.
3. The cherry cranberry.
I. The bell cranberry. — This species is so
called because of some flxncied resemblance to a bell in
its shape. Of this variety there is but one kind. It is
about the largest species, and almost as dark colored
as blood coral. Of its comparative yield, as well as of
those of the other kinds, we shall by-and-by speak. —
{See plate No. 2).
II. The bugle cranberry. — This species some-
what resembles a bugle bead, it being elongated, and
approachifig an oval. Of the bugle species there are
two kinds, large and small — the large is generally
preferred by the growers. — {See plate No. 3).
III. The cherry cranberry. — So called from its
siniilarity in shape, size, and color to that Avell-known
fruit. It is of two kinds, large and small. Each of
these kinds are in the market, and with this brief but
sufficient notice of them we close this chapter. — {See
plate No. 4).
Jf.J/ix..deI.
BELL CRANBERRY
NATURAL Size
Plate I.
i
^"
J?. Djx:, del
BU^LE CRAygERBY
»ArumAL Size.
Plate %
f .^.
C^^t'.vt
Plate 4
CHAPTER II.
FIRST GROWERS.
Difficulties of Cultivation — Failures, and their Causes —
The Fruits of Experience — Average Yields of early
Crops.
Most new enterprises and undertakings have been
attended with difficulty. For the want of correct know-
ledge, supported by experience, disappointment and
failure have frequently been the result of efforts which
have been sought to be crowned with success. There
is not the commonest root or vegetable on the farm,
but what requires knowledge and experience in its
management.
Some individuals suddenly determine upon quitting
the city store, and make choice of a farmer's profession
as that which they intend to follow in the future of
their lives. But any person, who knows even little
of agriculture, is certain of this, that such an inexperi-
enced individual is sure to meet with difficulties in
his new calling which will be discouraging ; and be-
(19)
20 FIRST GROWERS.
cause he cannot make the soil yield as his capricious
mind desires, he is too apt to abandon the plough and
the spade, making the obstacles that lie in his path
the reason of his quitting his new profession. The
difficulties lie not so much in the soil, as they do in
himself The soil is ready to give its increase to those
who know how to call it forth, while to such as do
not, it withholds a portion of its strength. This has
been the case with some of the early growers of the
famous cranberry. For want of knowledge, and ex-
perience their plants suffered ; some running to vines,
others yielding in such small quantities, that they were
discouraged, and abandoned the undertaking as one
that would not pay.
The cranberry vine, in its wild condition, does not
seem to offer much temptation to a thrifty farmer, be-
cause it appears such a stunted, barren thing, that few
would imagine it could be turned to profitable account.
He must have been a sagacious man, and bold withal,
who saw that he could make the cranberry an article
of profitable commerce; and determined upon so
doing. To rescue this vine from the bogs and
swamps was in former times no small undertaking ;
but now the difficulties are fewer, from the fact that
farmers have the experience of the first cultivators to
fall back upon. In Dennis, Mass., one of the largest
and most successful cranberry localities, perhaps, to be
FIRST GROWERS. 21
found in tlie United States, attention was drawn to tliis
fruit some forty years ago. It was found in a low,
swampy place. The proprietor began to bestow a
little care upon the vine ; by doing so, he perceived
that the fruit improved in flavor, color, and size ; but
still, he was not properly alive to all the advantages
connected with the berry, and hence the vine would in
some measure suffer for the want of care and attention.
A boy whose father owned a swamp in which the
cranberry flourished, removed some of the vines, and
set them out carelessly by a pond. In doing this, he
was derided and plainly told that they would not
come to anything. But after all they did flourish and
do well, and thus a little was gained by this simple
effort. It proved that the cranberry was susceptible
of great improvement.
It is about fifteen years ago since the minds of many
were awakened to this subject, and since several de-
termined to make a trial to cultivate the cranberry.
Those who first undertook this were largely bespat-
tered with unpleasant remarks, and told that it would
be a useless attempt. Five years elapsed, and they
had established this fact, that the cranberry could be
cultivated and made useful to the farmer as a market-
able commodity. About ten years since, those who
owned patches of swampy land, began to turn their
attention to them, and resolved upon making the cran-
22 FIRST GROWERS.
berry a leading article of importance and profit on
their farms. Up to tliat time little was known of how
the vine should be managed.
The first cultivators were beset with difliculties —
these were numerous ; and so great were they deemed,
that some individuals gave up in despair. These diffi-
culties we will briefly sketch, that the reader who con-
templates making a cranberry yard may not be dis-
couraged by what he may deem hardships and ob-
stacles in his way.
There was a general ignorance of the nature and
habits of the vine. Some vines were foimd on the
edges of swamps and ponds, and their runners would
seem to avoid the water, and seek the dry upland.
This led to the opinion that a dry situation was best
adapted to the wants of the cranberry ; accordingly,
some planted the vine in locations that were rather
dry and arid. They lingered on for a time, looked
sickly, blighted, and stunted in their growth, yielding
but little or no fruit. Some who tried this method
were discouraged.
The cranberry vine is likewise found away from the
edges of the bogs and swamps ; situated in the centre
of these are small mounds and tufts of soil that are to
be met with in abundance. On these elevations the
vine is often to be found. It will throw its runners
down to the water, and from this fact, the conclusion
FlliST GROWERS. 23
come to by many was, that tlie vine absolutely needed
a situation like the one described, and then it would
do well enough. They tried to imitate nature in this
respect and failed. They gave them too much water,
and drowned them.
The question of location was a source of trouble.
Some would plant in the swamp, and others in dry
situations. Some would select a southerly aspect, and
others a northern one. There was no rule or experi-
ence to guide them in the commencement of forming a
yard, hence their difficulties and consequent failures.
Then, soils was a source of perplexity to many.
Would the cranberry do better in rich loamy soil, than
in any other? Most plants flourished in such earth ;
then, why not the vine ? It was tried, and the plants
run to vines, looked well and thrifty, and bore but
little fruit. Clay must be good for them. This was
also tested, but it caked, and the plants in summer
were stunted, shrivelled, and burnt up.
Peat was experimented with, and was found no
better than clay, (but we shall show when we come
to treat on soils, that this vegetable soil can be
so prepared as to be a rival to beach sand). We
must not overlook the treatment to which the vines
were subjected in these early days of the cranberry
culture. They were too frequently planted and left
to take care of themselves, and the wild grass — the
24 FIRST GROWERS.
almost fatal enemy of the vine — would clioke them.
All these difficulties produced their results. Some
gave up, but others tried and experimented again and
again, until success crowned their efforts.
The fruits of this rich experience are abundant, and
have proved useful to those who are now intending to
cultivate the cranberry vine. They have improved
the vine itself, — ^liave naturalized it, have by cultiva-
tion made the vine yield largely, and a fruit, too, in
some instances about thrice the size of the berry in its
native swamp, or bog. The intending cultivator has
now this advantage over the first growers : he has in-
structions to fall back upon, instructions which it is
safe to follow, because practical experiment has taught
us what is to be avoided, and what is to be done. A
yard can now be prepared at a much less cost than it
could in former years, and those who have persevered
in keeping their yards in a good condition, and have
enlarged them, have for the last few years been real-
izing more than paying profits. It is this experience
which cheapens the cost of a yard, for the advantage
is with him who knows how to make it, while the
ignorant will have to fight the difficulties and obstacles
which opposed the first growers, and consequently it
will entail gi eater expense upon him.
The average yield of early crops is not large. It
takes a few years for the vines to mat, and if the loca
FIRST GROWERS. 25
tion is suitable, and they receive a moderate degree of
attention, each, year will increase tlieir productive capa-
bilities, so that the third or fourth year will begin to
pay the cultivator with remunerative prices.
From the difficulties presented in this chapter which
lay in the path of the early growers of the cranberry,
let not the reader be discouraged. There is no occa-
sion for such a feeling, because you have the benefit
of experience, and the best method of cultivation to
guide you ; the particulars of which we shall state in
the next chapter.
CHAPTER III.
PROPER LOCATIONS FOR CRANBERRY
PATCHES.
Uplands not Suitable — Keason Why — Stagnant Water not
Suitable — Best Aspects — Situations — Shelter Eequieed.
Just at this time tliere is considerable excitement
on the subject of cranberry cultivation. It is proba-
ble that it has to some extent been created by the very
high prices which this fruit has been fetching of late
years, but more especially in the fall of 1855. It is
quite proper that a practical farmer, who is aware of
the fact above stated, should ask himself if he cannot
cultivate the vine ? if he cannot turn some portion of
his land to some account ? if he cannot appropriate
a small patch of low meadow land to be planted with
cranberries ? It is believed that many who are keenly
alive to this subject, would at once begin to make a
survey of their farm to ascertain whether any part of
it would be, or could be made into a good profitable
cranberry patch, providing they knew what kind of
(26)
LOCATIONS FOR PATCHES. 27
locations are most suitable, and best adapted to develop
this berr J.
In reference to locations^ there are various opinions,
eacb grower giving the preference to those situations
in which his own vines do best.
We find that there are such differences on this sub-
ject that it wUl not be amiss to state them as clearly
as we can, and then describe those locations to which
the generality of producers so strictly adhere.
The question has often been put, Can cranberries be
grown on uplands ? Is it a suitable situation ? will it
pay to plant on elevated grounds ? The cranberry is
not a native of the upland, and will never do well in
such situations if there is not nigh to the roots some
of those elements which nourish and strengthen the
plant in its wild and unreclaimed condition. The
cranberry needs moisture, and that in great proportions
for so small a plant. If it is set out on the upland,
and it does not derive suf&cient moisture from the at-
mosphere, that is, more than is needed by surrounding
vegetation, and if it cannot derive it from another
source, it will die.
If the cranberry is planted upon the upland, water
should be in the ground, so as to supply the roots with
moisture. If that situation is an incline, it will be
better, because it will take off the surplus water under
the plants, and leave them enough to meet their de-
28 LOCATION'S FOR PATCHES.
mands. In upland planting, where the vines have
done well and produced good crops, we are of opinion
that they have been favorably situated.
In the absence, or rather scarcity of moisture, it is
common to hoe and stir the soil about the roots of the
plants, that it may be kept porous, so that the air may
contribute to the vine's necessities.
You must not forget this, that those who plant on
uplands are put to trouble and expense in frequent
lioeing. Some individuals seem to admire and prefer
the upland, but we cannot see any reason for this, ex-
cept that it is the best situation they have at command.
Years of trial and experiment may yet bring this loca-
tion into notoriety. We have seen the upland tried
on Cape Cod, but the plants failed, though some few
lived and yielded fruit. The gentleman* who tried
this experiment, believes that if he had taken care of
his plants and hoed them often, he would have succeed-
ed better. This is his opinion. In our investigations
on this subject we fell in with the following item in the
Boston Telegraphy which we give entire, that the reader
may have all the evidence we can give him in favor
of the upland as a suitable location for cranberries:
" Other experiments, however, show the practica-
bility of raising cranberries on upland. Mr. Roberts'
* James Howes, Esq.
LOCATIONS FOR PATCHES. 29
experiment embraced a tract near the foot of a slope
descending in a westerly direction. The ground was
ploughed eight inches deep, and harrowed ; light fur-
rows, three and a half feet apart, were run lengthwise,
and the sods were cut from the swamp, carted on the up-
land, and placed three feet apart in the rows (though
two would have been better), tlien carefully hoed and
kept, free from weeds for two years. No water was
supplied except that received from occasional rains."
Notwithstanding this evidence appears strong and
conclusive, yet we believe that the most experienced
cultivators regard the experiment as hazardous, and in
most cases fatal to the development of the cranberry.
We give the opinion of one of the oldest cultivators
on Cape Cod, which is, — '^ that if you plant on the
upland it is difficult to raise your vines to bearing per-
fection, and it will entail much labor and expense upon
him who undertakes it. Guard against the upland
mania." Upland planting is regarded as " risky busi-
ness ;" it is therefore avoided on Cape Cod, where the
management of the vine is better understood than in
any other part of America.
Places in which stagnant water has collected have
been selected by some persons, and converted into
cranberry patches. It is positively wrong to do this,
because the water lodging in the soil having no drain
by which it may be drawn off, renders it sodden, cold,
30 LOCATIONS FOR PATCHES.
and stiff, and it consequently causes the roots of the
vine to rot, and ultimately the plants die from such a
surfeit. Such locations cannot with safety be chosen
except they undergo a thorough preparation — draining,
levelling, and carting on soil, which is friendly to the
growth of cranberries.
If these stagnant pools are selected, great precau-
tions will be demanded in order to make them suita-
ble for the reception of the vine.
Let us name those locations, and point out those
situations which are most conducive to the full devel-
opment of the berry.
In selecting a place for a patch, it is well to consider
its aspect. Though we have seen the vine doing well,
and to all appearances very thrifty, when the yard has
faced the north, yet experience is in favor of a souther-
ly direction. If possible, in forming your patch, let it
be sheltered from the cold raw winds ; give it the ad-
vantage of the warm breezes ; by doing this you will
be more likely to succeed than if you neglected it.
A swamp may be chosen. If you find the vine
growing round the edges of a bog, you may safely
conclude that the plant can there be advantageously
cultivated. In the preparation of these locations, there
is often much labor and some expense. But this de-
pends upon its surface, what you have to do in remov-
ing the turf and '' filling in." It is customary with
LOCATIONS FOR PATCHES. 31
some growers to redeem a certain proportion of their
swamps yearly ; by thus proceeding, they ultimately
overcome the natural obstacles before them, and ac-
complish what they intended to realize. The sight of
each year's progress encourages them to persevering
effort. Then it must be so that you can drain off the
water at your own pleasure. If you make a cranberry
patch in a swamp, and it is liable to have water stand-
ing in pools over the vines in the summer season, this
will operate as a hindrance to the ripening of the
berry. This precaution must be observed in making
choice of such a situation, that you can expel or draw
off the water, when it is necessary.
Meadow land, which is low and moist, affords an
excellent location for the cranberry. In fact, these
damp situations are very suitable, providing the damp-
ness or moisture is not too cold and icy. If the mois-
ture beneath the surface in which the vine is planted
is of too cold a temperature, it will prove fatal to the
young vines. Care must be had, in selecting for a
yard, to ascertain if the water is too cold; if it is not, it
may be converted into a useful and profitable cran-
berry patch. There must be water in the land in which
they are planted. As a general rule, it is best to have
it within twelve inches of the surface. The object
of this is to give moisture. The grower must have it,
or his plants will fail.
32 LOCATIONS FOR PATCHES.
A gradual slope is often to be met with, coming
down to tlie edge of a pond. When such inclines are
properly prepared and planted, they make the best of
yards; and such locations generally have a soil in
which the vine will do excellently ; and there is not
so much, trouble with them, as the gravel chokes the
weed.
Sheltered and protected positions should be sought
after ; situations in which the plants are not likely to
receive and meet with the force of the fiercest and
stormiest weather.
Sandy patches of land, or plats, that are near to
the sea-shore, which are not liable to be overflowed
with the salt water, on Cape Cod, stand high. We
have examined many yards that are situated within a
few rods of the ocean, only protected from the hardest
weather by a small rising in the land, which forms a
bank to resist the waves ; and these yards are among
the handsomest in the county of Barnstable ; and
every year these situations are becoming of more value
and consequence to the cultivators of the cranberry.
There are on Long Island, and in ISTew Jersey, vast
tracts of beach land which are available, and admirably
adapted to the growth of cranberries. Likewise, in
the South and West, there are thousands of acres
which are better adapted for the production of this
fruit than anything else.
LOCATIONS FOR PATCHES. 33
It is worth the agriculturist's while to pay some
attention to this subject. Every year the cranberry is
in greater demand, higher prices are being realized.
It is becoming a staple article in the great markets of
the country. Then, why do you, whom nature has
favored with all you need, but planting your yard,
neglect to make an effort to share the profits arising
from the cultivation and sale of this article ?
[Note. — In planting vines, dead levels by the side
of the ponds should be guarded against. The yard
should conform to the land behind it, sloping from the
hill to the edge of the pond. The reason for this is,
that if it is not done, water from the hills will cause
the land to be springy and spongy, and that it will
make stagnant water, which generates a green, slimy
moss, which is an enemy to the cranberry vine.]
2*
CHAPTER IV.
SOILS AND THE MODE OF PREPARINQ
THEM
It is of importance that the nature of those soils in
which the cranberry will most easily grow, should be
considered, and known to those who intend turning
their attention to its culture. Many failures have re-
sulted, not so much from the unsuitableness of the
location chosen, as from the badness of the soil. It is
generally the case, that the best and richest soils are
selected, as those in which experiments ought to be
tried. Failures sometimes occur, not because the
climate or the season are unsuitable, but because the
soil is too rich. K the vine is planted in good alluvial
soil, it will do well, apparently, but it will not bear
fruit. Such soil will cause the plant to abound with
healthy foliage, and a vast quantity of runners, but no
fruit. Manuring is wholly out of the question. If it
is attempted, it will kill the plants, or in some cases
make them grow rank, and they will be worse than
they are found to be in their native swamp.
Clay and marl are totally unfit for cranberry cul-
(84)
PREPARING SOILS. 35
tivation. Either of tliis class are liable to cake and
become hard ; and whatever soil cakes and sogs around
the root of the plant, is to be avoided.
If intending cultivators would exercise some caution
m the choice of soil, it would prevent both trouble and
expense. Failure is often caused by inattention at this
stage of the undertaking.
Bochy loam is not very favorable to the development
of the cranberry. The objection which lies against it
is, that wiry grass and rushes abound therein. These
grasses and rushes are to be guarded against in a cran-
berry yard, or they will choke the vine. Loam of the
kind above-named may he made to do, but it will re-
quire excessive cultivation, in order to effect anything
of importance.
Heavy soils, taken as a class, are not of much service ;
the grower will do well to avoid them to as great an
extent as possible. And, indeed, it is questionable
whether the vine can be cultivated at all to any pur-
pose on soils of the above description. The vine may
grow on such lands and seena to :&ourish, but they will
not bear ; they are unfruitful, and if so, therefore un-
profitable.
The following soils are those which are preferred by
the Cape Cod cranberry cultivators. There is one fact
which ought to be stated here, as introductory to the
subsequent suggestions and statements, and it will :;ot
S6 PREPARING SOILS.
be amiss for the inexperienced cultivator to remember
it. If he bears it in mind, he will avoid many diffi-
culties which have discouraged others. It is this :
Dead sand, water and air^ are the elements upon which
the cranberry feeds the best, and attains its highest de-
gree of perfection; therefore, that soil and location
which has these advantages is best adapted for the
growth of the berry.
Beach sand stands the first. All other kinds must
be rejected if this can be got. Experience teaches us
this. Those yards which are wholly bottomed by beach
sand flourish and yield abundantly, far better than those
that have a different soil. During the past fifteen j-ears
every variety of soil and situation have been experi-
mented with, and the results are entirely in favor of
the beach sand. On Cape Cod, the greatest cranberry
field in America, situations are sought for where the
cultivator can be near to the shore, that he may be
able to put on this sand, if it is not on his chosen
location.
We will, in this connection, call attention to a small
yard with which we are acquainted, which is situated
near to the sea-shore. It was originally a pond;
water stood in the basin, but it was not deep. On the
banks and edges of this pond was sand in abundance,
which the owner spaded down to the water, and con-
tinued to fill in. He planted ; some said it would
PREPARING SOILS. 87
not do much, but now it is one of the handsomest
yards in the county. Everything seems to be favor-
able— ^soil, situation, and water — and the result is, heavy
yields of the berry. In this, as many as three bushels
have been picked off a square rod. And so well is it
now known that situations where beach sand abounds
are the best, that the most practical men are buying up
such locations with the view of converting them into
cranberry yards.
We are acquainted with one cultivator, w^hose yards
produce from two to three hundred bushels of cran-
berries annually, who has the greatest proportion of
his vines planted in the beach sand, and some few in
loam. The difference between the two is marked. Those
in sand are fruitful, those in loam are but small pro-
ducers. He therefore carts off the loam, or carts upon
it heach sand.
"We could produce a vast body of evidence to demon-
strate that beach sand is better adapted to develop the
cranberry than any other soil ; but the cases adduced
are suf6.cient.
There is another reason, though, which should not
be lost sight of, why this sand is so much better than
any other soil. It is light, porous, and is almost inca-
pable of supporting weeds. It admits the atmosphere
freely to the roots of the vine, and is found to be the
only soil in which the rank weeds can be effectually
38 PREPARING SOILS.
kept down. It will thus be clear to the reader, that
in such a situation, the plant can throw out its runners
in every direction, and having no weed to contend
against, will therefore spread rapidly, and soon become
matted, a condition of the yard towards which the prac-
tical man looks with anxiety. If you are about to make
the attempt to cultivate the cranberry, if possible, ob-
tain heach sand in which to set out your vines; or
coarse sand when the former cannot be obtained, but
the white is preferred.
Peat is found to be excellent, in fact, next in value
and importance to the beach sand, for the growth of
cranberries. But peat wants management and care in
its preparation, in order to be made useful to the vine.
In selecting a peat swamj) to be converted into a cran-
berry patch, it is necessary to take off the top tui-f, or
grass, and if possible give the yard a little incline.
When this is done, it is unsafe to plant at once. If
you do so, you will find that the peat will in the fol-
lowing summer cake and crack. It will be hard on the
surface, and some few inches below stiff and dry.
The veriest tyro in cranberry cultivation knows that
such a condition is very bad for the vine.
How is this difficulty obviated ? Prepare the surface
as we have stated above, and leave the yard exposed
to the frost and weather for one year. When the frost
is thawed out of it, it will crumble and be powdery.
PREPARING SOILS. 39
It will never cake afterward. It will be light and
porous. You may then with safety plant your vines,
and with moderate attention they will do well.
pS'OTE. — We have lately visited a famous cranberry
producer, who is filling up a pond with loam, composed
of sand^ clay^ and a small proportion of marl. The
pond is about four feet deep. When this is filled up
and levelled, he will plant it in the spring, believing
that the soil will meet the wants of the vine.]
CHAPTER y.
VINES.
Time for Selection — Healthy Yines — Their Appearance —
Unhealthy Yines — Signs of.
It is possible that an intending cranberry cultivator
may bave the advantages of location and soils, plant
vines, and fail. If the bearing or fruitful vine is not
chosen, the result of the first attempt will be unprofit-
able. In determining upon making a trial, it is neces-
sary that the inexperienced should have some know-
ledge of the plants which he is about to purchase, or he
should have implicit confidence in the person from
whom he buys them.
The cranberry vine is such a simple, insignificant-
looking plant, and the difference in the varieties is so
hard to be distinguished, that this fact accounts in
some measure for the utter failure of so many. There
are instances, which we could easily cite, where even
some of the most experienced have been misled and
deceived by the appearance of the vine : then, we can-
not wonder at the beginner suffering loss. We aro
(40)
VINES. 41
aware that under tlie liead of tMs chapter we are tread-
ing on delicate ground, and confess that we feel the
difficulty of making the distinctive peculiarities of the
vines so clear, that from this account a person may
distinguish and select for himself (See Plate Ko. 5.)
In some cases the vine will be planted in the fall,
and at such times they are purchased most probably
immediately before setting out. Of course, the leaf
will be examined, and the color and strength of the
spears noticed. If the purchaser relies upon the green
appearance of the vine as an indication of its fruitful-
nesS; he may be deceived, and regret that he allowed
himself to be misled by such a sign.
Another may determine upon planting in the spring
(which is certainly under -some circumstances the most
favorable season), and in such a case they would select
and prepare their location in the course of the winter,
that in May or June they might be ready to plant or
set out. Plants for spring planting are most frequently
chosen in the winter. But generally, the buying of
plants at such times is a mere piece of guess-work, for
there is likely nothing in their appearance which may
certify the j)urchaser that they are good and fruitful.
Plants may be selected in the spring or fall ; one time
is as favorable as the other for this purpose.
In speaking of the Healthy Vine, we wish to be un-
dertood as referring to that which is the most fruitful —
42 VINES.
bears the most abundantly — for there is a vine which
is barren — and that we choose to describe as the
Unhealthy Plant
The healthy vine, as far as we have been able to
discover, -presents an ajDpearance of greenish brown on
the leaf, the spears and runners are fine and thin,
remarkable for their wiry nature and aspect. They
seem of stunted growth, but form beautiful and tufted
groups of spears in their process of matting.
The Unhealthy Vine appears altogether brighter and
stronger, and hence from this peculiarity some are apt
to be mistaken. We will on this point give the expe-
rience of an old and practical grower, as it is from him
we have derived our information. He prepared some
land adjoining a fresh- water pond, which in every way
was adapted to develop the cranberry vine. He came
in contact with a few rods of vines which seemed to
be good, and his impression was that if he could secure
them he would soon have an excellent 3-ard. He
bought them and set them out; he watched them
closely, and was gratified in seeing them look so
thrifty. They spread and matted remarkably quick,
and he hoped for a great yield from such young vines.
But when blossoming- time came, he perceived that they
did not put out so much as his other vines, and that
there were but very few berries on them when picking-
time came. He tried these ^anes year after year, and
VINES. 43
they only yielded here and there a fruit. He might
have sold those vines repeatedly, but he refused to do
so, and ultimately pulled them up and threw them
into the pond. We asked him what the difference be-
tween those barren vines and the fruitful ones was.
This is his statement relative to this point :
" The barren vines looked greener, had more bushy
leaves, and stronger or thicker spears than those which
produced the most fruit. I felt confident from their
appearance that they were the best vines I ever saw ;
but I lived to find out that those signs which I took
to indicate the productiveness of the plant, were only
symptoms of disease^ which disease means larrennessy'^
This is the only case we have met with in which
there was such a total failure in the productiveness of
a good-looking vine.
From what has been here stated, we fear that the difli-
culty of distinguishing between the barren and fruit-
ful vine has not been much obviated ; but we will now
state a method of selecting your vines, which cannot
fail of assuring yoxi of their real qualities.
We assume that you contemplate making a Cran-
berry Patch, that you have not on your own farm any
vines, consequently you will have to go abroad for
them.
1. Ascertain ivfio has the vine to dispose of. If you
* * i^Ir. Thomas Shiverick.
44 VINES.
are in a position to find several, all tlie better. Assur-
ing yourself that vines are for sale by the individuals
whom you have found, before you buy take this pre-
caution.
2. When the fruit is nearly ripe, go to those yards
or patches in which the vine is for sale. See how they
bear. If they bear well, or give a yield which is equal
to the average of the vines of that year, you may buy.
You will be certain that those plants are not diseased.
You may then let them remain in the patch until you
are ready to transplant, with this satisfaction, that you
have obtained a good article.
8. Or, if you have confidence in the person with
whom you deal, you can purchase as well in the winter
as at any other period of the year; for the grower
knows well which vines are good, and which bad, in
what part of his yard grows the fine Cape Cod Bell
Cranberry, and every other variety.
These suggestions may be safely followed by the
inexperienced in reference to cranberry culture, and
lead to the most favorable results, as they will prevent
deception, a consideration of some importance in an
undertaking of this description.
[Note. — The healthy vine, by some cultivators, is
stated to be of medium thickness, or strength of spear,
and bushy leaves. All the barren vines which we
have examined are stouter than the yielding ones."]
CHAPTER YI.
CRANBERRY PATCH.
How TO Make— WHEft lo Make.
In the foregoing chapters of tHs manual, locations and
soils best adapted to develop the cranberry vine have
been pointed out; it may not be unadvisable now to
describe the different methods of making a patch.
1. On some farms, locations and soils are all that can
be desired for the above purpose; in such a case there
will be little demanded beyond labor. Should the
situation be that of a shallo^Y pond, with a sandy bot-
tom in which the water stands deep in the wmter, and
in summer it almost dries up, the first step to be taken
is, either to construct a drain or ditch, by whicn
you may draw off the water from the pond. Should
the bottom or surface be uneven and irregalar, you
H.ust endeavor to make it more level. It is not an un-
common practice with some growers, to make their
patches flat, but this is rather passing into disrepute ;
the incline plan of construction or formation bong
preferred by most cultivators.
(45)
46 CRANBERKY PATCH.
The sand which is on the edges of the pond can be
carted or wheeled to the centre, so that you can bring
the holes to that height which is most desirable. When
this is done, you may rake over and give your patch
that degree of sloping which will carry off the cold
spring water. The object, in such a situation as this,
of making a drain, is to carry off the water in the
spring and summer ; l;iut however favorable it may be
to have your vines "flowed" in the winter, that "flow-
ing" must in the summer be prevented ; the drain does
this effectually.
2. jSwamps or hogs have been spoken of as favorable
situations in which the cranberry vine can be culti-
vated. In such locations, there is generally more labor
and expense incurred in their preparation than in
many others. First, the brush and undergrowth must
be cleared off. Secondly, the top turf ought to be re-
moved, if possible. K there is not sand in or about
the margin of the swamp, if it is not too distant, of
course you will cart it in, and " fill up" and "fill in,"
making the covering about four inches thick.
You will have to guard against, in this situation, the
" coarse wild grass," which is the enemy of the vine.
This is done by spading off the surface, and "filling
in" with tlie sand. Should this situation be liable to
be overflowed with water in the summer, the drain
must be resorted to in order to save the vines, and
CRANBERRY PATCH. 47
give them a fair chance of blossoming and developing
the berry.
8. The banks of fresh- water ponds, when properly-
managed and prepared, are good. Should such a
situation be too stony, the stones and rocks may be re-
moved, and the surface made as fine as possible.
Should the water of the pond be apt to rise too high,
at an unseasonable part of the year, and flood the
vines, this ought to be guarded against by forming an
embankment, which would preserve the yard from
being deluged.
4. There are situations which can be made available
for a cranberry patch by a little labor. It will be ob-
served, that there are locations which are favorable,
both as to aspect and soil. But they are uneven or
undulating. It is not unfrequently the case that a
part of that land may be so low as to retain at all
seasons of the year a degree of moisture which exists
in sufS.cient quantities to meet the wants of the cran-
berry vine. On other parts of it the hills or slight
elevations may be too dry and arid. In this case,
those mounds must be removed and the land brought
to the level of that situation w^ * h is moist.
5. Should you possess land which is in every way
adapted to grow the cranberry, but is liable to be over-
flowed with salt water, and you are desirous of turning
that land to account by cultivating the vine, the first
48 CRANBERRY PATCH.
step to be taken is, to devise some plan hj whicb. the
salt water can be driven back and effectually prevented
from again overflowing it. This is done by making a
dj^ke. The land thus redeemed must be prepared by
taking off the sward or covering it over with beach
sand. It is not safe to plant on land of this descrip-
tion immediately after it has been redeemed. It is
necessary to let the land lie exposed to the rains and
atmosphere a sufficient length of time, in order to get
*' freshened." When the salt has been taken out of it,
by exposure to the weather, then it is safe to plant.
This chapter might be extended to a length which
our limits will not allow, by describing how patches
are made according to the location chosen. So we will
conclude, by saying no cranberry yard is completed
until it is fenced in such a manner as to keep out the
cattle.
CHAPTER VII.
PLANTING VINES.
Time for Removing the Yines — Best Time fob Planting —
Methods of Planting — Sod Planting — Objections to —
Separation of Sod Yines — How to place the Roots and thb
Runners — Methods of Cutting and Planting — Broadcast
Method — Propagation from the Seed in the Berry —
Methods of — Objections to.
The cranberry vine can be removed from the soil
in wHcli it lias been cultivated, or from its native
swamp, either in the spring or fall of the year. If the
vine is taken np and left exposed to the winter weather
it is almost sure of being killed, and therefore no one
to whom this fact is known would do so. The vine
can be removed from the soil and left without earth
through the winter under some circumstances. K
they are taken up in the fall and left in a moist cellar
until spring, they will, when planted, take root and
do well. "I would as soon have vines left in my
cellar through the winter, for spring planting, as I
3 (49)
50 PLANTING VINES.
would have those fresh from the yard or the swamp."*
Experiment has proved that the vine can be treated
according to the latter method without detriment to
itself It will, therefore, be evident that the vine can
be taken up and have all the soil taken from its roots,
be packed in barrels, and forwarded to any part of the
country, without being injured.
It is admitted by most cultivators of the cranberry
that in the absence of ability to " flood the patch" in
the winter, that it is better to plant in the spring than
the fall, because those vines set out in the fall, which
are not "flowed," will get frozen, and when the frost is
thawed out, it will throw the young plants up and out
of the soil. In circumstances like these, spring plant-
ing is the best.
Those who determine upon this season instead of
the fall for setting out, will, of course, not remove
their vines until they are prepared to transplant. Maij
and the early part of June^ for spring planting, are
believed on Cape Cod to be the most favorable
months. Should you determine upon either one of
these months, which you may do with perfect assur-
ance that the removal will not injure your vines, you
will, therefore, defer their removal until you are ready
to give them a place in your newly-prepared situation.
* Aaron Crowell, Esq.
PLANTING VINES. 51
In other words, do not remove your vines until you
can plant them. Though vines may be taken up and
kept from the soil for three or four months in a moist
and warm situation, yet all cultivators prefer the
former method or time of removal.
There are two or three advantages connected with
spring planting, which we will name, which he who
sets out his vines in the fall cannot possibly have.
If in the spring you intend to plant, you have the
winter before you for prej^aration. You may proba-
bly with your OAvn labor and a little assistance be able
to make as much as you think it best to plant. You
have more time on your hands, and therefore you can
afford to do your work better and thoroughly. To get
ready for fall planting, you have to hurry everything,
and consequently your work is likely to be slighted.
In making your patch in the winter, you can study
the characteristics of the location, and learn to what
depth and extent it is liable to be flowed, and whether
it is flowed from natural springs or water that is carried
into it from other sources.
Having called your attention to the time of re-
moving and ^jZa?2^in^ vines, we will present to the
reader the various methods of planting, and specify
those modes which are preferred. It must not be sup-
posed that there is one uniform plan of treating the
vine. The cultivation of this plant is but in its infancy,
52 PLANTING VINES.
and consequently growers will continue to make trials
and experiments, until they acquire a knowledge of a
metliod wliick to them is satisfactory. Various
methods have been adopted and pursued with differ-
ent degrees of success, which we will now mention :
(See Plate No. 6.)
1. Sod planting. — This is the oldest plan. It was
customary in the early days of cranberry culture to
cut out a square or oblong sod on which the vine was
growing, and then to prepare the yard to receive it
just as it was taken up. It was thought that this plan
was the best, because the vine did not suffer by such a
removal. But experience has taught cultivators that
this is not the best mode. There is this forcible objec-
tion lying against it. In removing the sod, rank weeds
and foul grasses are brought with it, and it has been
proved that these grasses and weeds retard the matting
process of the vine, and the yard becomes one of
weeds and wild grasses rather than of healthy cran-
berry plants. If you plant on the Sod System^ it will
entail much labor upon you ; for even if you determine
upon keeping down this wild stuff, you will find the
difficulty to be greater than you anticipated.
We may safely advise the intending cultivator to
guard against the method which has just been de-
scribed. Another plan is,
-^^s^
^i^- -^
!. <
, — I
t^ ^v ^
-c CO cj)
. #^
#^
i—
I—
ID
QQ ~-.-
PLANTING VINES. 53
2. The separation of sod vines. — A method
wliicli is far superior to the former.
On obtaining the sod, and before planting, you take
the sod on which the vine is growing, examine it
closely, then place your fingers beneath or among the
roots and tear them out as carefully as you can.
When this is done, separate the vine into as many as
you can conveniently, but be careful to leave two or
three small spears or runners on the roots. When you
plant, place the roots in the soil first, then spread out
the spears or runners, and bury them in the soil, but
being careful to leave out of the earth the ends or tips
of those spears or runners.
The reason for this method is, that from those parts
of the spears or runners which are buried in the soil
will start new roots, and each root mil be a new vine,
and instead of only having one root from which the
vine may start, you have two, or a half dozen, accord-
ing to the number of spears on the vine you plant.
This is a favorite method among the most successful
growers of the cranberry.
A patch planted on this system matts rapidly, and
has rarely been known to fail. It is about the best
method now known ; you may follow it with safety :
(See Plate No. 7.)
3. Cutting planting. — In pursuing this method
54 PLANTING VINES.
when tlie vine is obtained, it is cut up into convenient
lengths, saj from four to six inches. One of these
cuttings is taken, but not planted with the end down
and one end out of the soil ; it is planted in the middle
of the cutting^ leaving up both ends^ so that when it
takes root, instead of there being but one runner, there
will be two. This is a good and safe method. — (See
Plate No. 8.)
4. Cutting planting may be continued in another
form, take two or three slips or cuttings, about three
or four inches long, and force the lower ends into the
soil with a dibble ; each slip will take root and form a
vine. This has been tried with success, and in some
parts of the country it is a popular method.
5. Broadcast planting. — When the vines are
secured in sufGlcient quantities, they may be cut about
two inches in length by a common hay cutter. When
the patch is prepared to receive them, they may be
scattered over the surface as is wheat or oats, and then
well harrowed into the soil. The cuttings will take
root from the base of the leaves, and will soon spring
up and present the appearance of young and healthy
vines. Some prefer to bury these cuttings in drills.
But it is mere matter of opinion as to which plan is
the best.
r B
^ f,
A. Surface of Sod J
B. CzUportio-ns-of^f7/ts \^^' \ /
frciffBaiJie cf Leaves . ■ \
._ M-u i ' .....^
w-.-.i..
Ill
k
UPRIGHT CUTTING PLANTING
Tlatc 8 .
PLANTING VINES. 55
6. PKOrAGATiON FROM SEEDS. — If the seeds of
the cranberry are sown, they are not always certain
of coming up. The situation may be too cold for
them, and the seed is destroyed. Seed is often tried,
and will send up a small fine spear, but generally is
killed after the first year. We have heard it stated
by several cultivators that the seed may, under some
circumstances, be used, and in the third year the vines
raised from them would bear small quantities of fruit.
The best situations in which to sow the seed of the
cranberry are the edges of fresh meadow land ; such
places are generally protected, and they seem favor-
able, or rather the most favorable situations for propa-
gation from seed that are known.
Some persons who have tried this experiment have
put into the soil the whole berry ; few have been found
to come up, the seeds have rotted. We tried another
plan, which was as follows : we obtained the berry
and then broke it in water. The seeds separated from
the berry ; these we collected and sowed in the patch
prepared for them, and found them to do better than
any other method. But raising vines from seed is un-
certain, hazardous, and if you succeed, you have a
long time to wait for the fruit.* We would not
advise seed planting ; from vines and cuttings the best
patches are formed.
* Asa Shiverick, Esq. Joseph Hall, Esq.
56 PLANTING VINES.
7. Distances of planting. — This is wholly regu-
lated by the quantity of vines you have at your com-
mand, and the extent of land to be covered. Some
will plant them three feet apart. In this case, it must
take them a long time to mat. Some plant them
eighteen inches apart, which of course is better than
the former plan, because they will be matted all the
sooner. The rule is, the nearer you can plant your
vines the better, providing your patch is not overrun
with weeds and foul grass. The object in such a
case of planting them wider apart would be to give
the cultivator an opportunity of getting between the
vines and destroying the weeds, and whatever else
might be likely to choke them.
CHAPTER VIII.
TREATMENT OF YOUNQ VINES.
Weeding — Hoeing — Flooding.
When the vines have been planted, their develop-
ment depends much upon the treatment they receive
from the cultivator. If they are neglected, or not
noticed, they will have to contend against wild grass
and foul weeds, so that it will be impossible for them to
be very thrifty.
If the patch which is but moderately cared for is com-
pared in appearance, condition, and fruitfulness with
the one that is neglected, the advantage will be found
to be with the former, over the latter. Cranberries do
not need that amount of labor bestowed upon them
which is given to the cultivation of corn ; but never-
theless, they must be watched and attended to, in order
to be saved.
In patches of land converted to cranberry cultiva-
tion in which there is an abundance of weed, it will
be necessary to destroy it, or keep it down in such a
way that the young vine may have few obstacle- h
3* (87)
58 TREATMENT OF YOUNG VINES.
to its sjDreading and matting. In some regions of
country this is done by walking over the patch a
short time after planting, and if the wiry grass has
made its appearance^ pnlling it up. If this stuff is kept
down and out of the way, in the first year the vines
will give encouragement to the cultivator. In manag-
ing the young vines, it is deemed necessary to attend
to them in this way for the first three years, when
after that period they require less attention and labor ;
but it will always be well to do a little every year by
way of keeping down any foul stuff which may have
made its appearance.
In some localities, it is customary to go over the
patch in the spring of the year, and to pull up any
briers, or the roots of wild grass which may be met with.
In well-established yards more labor than this is sel-
dom called for. For a large yard a day is sufficient.
Hoeing is resorted to by some cultivators. Where
the vines are planted two feet apart this is necessary,
or may be resorted to with safety for the first two years.
In that time, the heavy or thick tufts of weed can
be killed, and the soil, thus lightened, will prove
a benefit to the vines, as it is thereby rendered more
porous. After that period it will be hazardous to hoe,
as it can hardly be done without cutting and destroy-
ing some of the vines. Should the weeds threaten to
become troublesome after this, they can be removed by
TEKATMENT OF YOUNG VINES. 59
pulling tliem up with the hand, after having loosened
them with a fork. But generally after the second or
third years' careful cultivation, the vines will take
care of themselves and will eat out weeds and grass,
and thus leave but little to be done by the grower.
On uplands, where the vines are planted, the way in
which they are treated in order to make them do well
is to hoe them, and that as frequently as you can. In
this case, it is usual to plant in hills, and keep a space
unoccupied between the hills, so that in hoeing, there
will be no runners cut or destroyed. But the object
of hoeing on uplands is more with the view of making
the soil light and porous, so that moisture will the more
readily be taken in and received by the roots.
Flooding. — In fall planting, it is always best to flood.
And where the vin'es can effectually be covered with
two or three feet of water, they are not likely to suffer.
The depth of water which covers them prevents them
from being frozen, so that when the thaw sets in, the
vines retain the situation in which they were planted.
This water should be drawn off in the middle or latter
end of May. But if frost continues, it is not well to
drain it off until it disappears, for by keeping the vines
flowed it prevents them from blossoming, so that there
will be no danger of the flowers being destroyed by
frost. Though the vine is a hardy plant, yet its blos-
soms, and berries are very sensitive, and are soon
60 TREATMENT OF YOUNG VINES.
injured by the frost, early or late. In managing the
vines, the cultivator Avill have to be guided by the
condition of his yard whether it is weedy or other-
wise, dry, or too moist, and the nature of the climate
in which his patch is situated.
CHAPTER IX.
BLOSSOMINa TIMK — PRKCAUTIONS
REQUIRKD.
In the winter, the cranberry vine appears of a dark
brownish green, and scarcely looks better than the
poverty grass which abounds in sandy regions. In
the spring, it begins to lose that peculiar color, ex-
changing it for a clear dark green. Then it is that
the uninitiated in the culture of cranberries begin to
anticipate something from the vines, which at least
mil be pleasing to the eye, if not profitable to the
purse. The blossom of the cranberry makes its ap-
pearance in the latter part of June, and sometimes as
late as the first of July. The quantity of blossom
depends upon the quality of the vines, the suitability
of location, the adaptation of soil, and the season.
From the appearance of the vines at that time, the
cranberry grower begins to form some idea of the
crop he may possibly have.
The flower of the cranberry is beautiful and deli-
cately formed. It seems as though it would be sus-
ceptible to injury from trifling causes. Its color is
that of a very pale pink, slightly tinged with purple ;
(61)
62 BLOSSOMIN(.i TIME — PRECAUTIONS.
and it is rarely or ever found on the runners, but in-
variably on the spears or stems which are thrown up
from the creepers.
There are about this time some precautions required ;
but they are more needed in some parts of the country
than in others.
Districts in which there are cranberry yards, which
are liable to be visited by frost late in the spring, call
for especial care from the cultivator. If his vines
blossom too soon, they will most probably be killed
by the frost, or at most he will have but a scanty crop.
The vines may, in the blossoming season, present an
abundance of flowers, and a night of frost cut them
off. In other regions where they are not so likely to
suffer from this cause, the same precautions are not
demanded.
Here, and in cases of the kind just named, the ad-
vantage of flooding is apparent. Those who can flood
their vines, can retard the blossom, or keep it back
until they think their vines are not likely to suffer by
frost. The practice generally followed is, to keep the
water over the vines till the last of May or middle of
June, and then draw it off. The sooner the water is
drained from the yard, the vines will blossom all the
earlier for it ; but that would be no advantage when
frost has not entirely disappeared from that locality.
BLOSSOMING TIME — PRECAUTIONS. 63
To keep back tlie blossom, nothing more is required
tban to continue the water over the vines.
Flooding is not of so much importance and value in
those regions where the frost soon or earlj in the
spring disappears, as it is in those parts of the country
where it continues up to the last of June.
[Note — Yines which are "flooded" during the
winter, Avhen the water is drawn off from them are
tender, and the blossom which such vines put out
is sooner injured than that which appears on the un-
flooded vines.]
CHAPTER X.
DISEASES OF THK CRANBERRY.
The Worm — Two Kinds — One attacks the Yine and the other
THE Fruit — Fjre Blight — Eot — Best Remedy for the Worm.
Like every other plant or fruit- vine, the cranberry
is subject to certain drawbacks, arising from causes
which we shall endeavor to enumerate.
1. There is the worm. We have not seen it, and
have only met with one grower who has, and he de-
scribes it as about an eighth of an inch in length.* It
has been sought after with extreme care and diligence.
Its presence seems only to be known by the devas-
tations it commits. And so great are they, that in a
night, vines which seemed doing well are rendered
sickly, and the crop is cut off. Not having seen this
enemy to the vine, and being unable to ascertain, even
from those who had suffered much by them, we are
therefore unable to identify it with any insect which
visits other fruits and destroys them. (See Plate, No. 9.)
This insect attacks the vine in a very peculiar
* Thomas Shiverick, Esq.
(64)
A. HeaCthy Leaves
B. [) incase, i l.cay'c
■5!«r^
-^^-
J.7? Z'jx-,adl
APPEARANCE OFVINE DISEASE
DISEASES OF THE CRANBERRY. • 65
manner. The vine of last year will have started
spears or uprights, in that season those spears have
not attained their growth. In the following spring
they will become taller, and the new growth will be
perceptible by the contrast. The former year's growth
has a dark hue, and stronger stem ; the new growth
is thinner, green in appearance, and altogether more
delicate. " The worm begins its ravages from the
point that the new growth has started. It does not
descend down the old growth, but from the base of
the new spring growth it begins its operations, work-
ing upward."* This insect comes in swarms. It
alights on the leaves, and extracts the moisture.
There seems to be in the vine or young leaf a juice
which by them is sought after. When it is present it
is known by the vine being webbed up and appearing
as though it was suffering from the fire blight.
At the period when these attacks are made, there is
some degree of certainty. It is most frequently im-
mediately after blossoming time, and their ravages are
often fatal to the crop of that yard which they visit.
There is something singular about the plan upon
which they act, but as it is new, we must describe that
action, leaving the ascertaining of the cause thereof to
further research and more experience. We are fami-
liar with the situation of a large pond which is bordered
* Howes Chapman, Esq. Joshua C. Howes, Esq.
66 DISEASES OF THE CllANBERRV.
by beaiitifal cranberry patches. It was there that
in the Last season this insect made its appearance. It
attacked certain patches and left the adjoining ones
untouched. The reason for this has not yet been
given, extended study of the subject may enable us in
some measure to account for this.
2. The fruit worm. — This is different from the
insect we last referred to, it is named the cranherry
worm. It is something like the apple worm, but
smaller. It makes its appearance about the latter part
of July or the beginning of August. In its attack
upon the berry it eats its way through the exterior
skin, and then enters the interior of the fruit, which
after that is of no value to the producer. This cran-
herry worm, is one of the greatest enemies that the cul-
tivator has to contend against.
3. The rot. — This is not so common as either of
the other enemies of the cranberry, to which we have
alluded, yet the rot appears in some yards, and sweeps
off the crop from that particular locality it visits.
We have visited a yard, which in former 3^ears wb»
a shallow pond. The owner had it filled in and level-
led off. On this, he planted the vines ; they did remark-
ably well, were soon matted, and seemed to be thrifty
The vines put out great quantities of blossom, and the
fruit began to form. The cultivator noticed that in
the lower part of the yard the berry rotted, and this,
DISEASES OF THE CRANBERRY. 67
year after year was tlie case. The upper part of the
yard remained untouched. To account for this it is
difficult, but we will give the opinion of the proprietor
of this patch and of another experienced cultivator * and
leave the reader to draw his own conclusions. That
part of the yard in which the berry rots is a little lower
than any other portion. It is supposed by the owner
to be too wet, and that this is the cause of the rot.
The vines on this patch are exceedingly well matted,
they are thick, and it is supposed that in consequence
of this, the sun cannot fairly shine upon them, and
hence the rot.
If it is the first, then, the remedy is to raise the soil,
and bring it to the level of that part of the 3''ard in
which the cranberry does not rot ; or, if it is the second,
there is nothing more required than to thin out the
vines, so that the sun may shine fully upon them. Is
there any remedy for the worm ? No remedy has yet
been discovered for that insect which attacks the vine
and the young spears of the plant, should it reappear
in yards that it has already visited, doubtless the pro-
prietors will try some experiments which we trust will
be successful.
To meet the case of the cranberry worm^ flooding is
resorted to. It is well known, that those yards which
* Joseph Hall, Esq. Thomas Hall, Esq.
OS DISEASES OF THE CRANBERRY.
call be flowed, are not so likely to be attacked by this
worm as those which are not covered with water during
the winter. The conclusion thus arrived at is, that
flooding is a partial remedy for this enemy to the cran-
berry. Hence, those who are constructing a yard, will
if convenient endeavor to secure this advantage, if it
does nothing more than aid in keeping down the cran-
berry worm.
CHAPTER XI.
CRANBERRY PICKING TIME.
Different Methods of Picking — Rakino — Packing.
The cranberry is rarely ripe until tlie beginning or
middle of October. At that time the cultivators
begin to pick the fruit and get it ready for market.
There are two methods of picking. The first is by
hand. It is customary in some regions to engage chil-
dren for this purpose, who are paid at the rate of
thirty or thirty-three cents per bushel. It is seldom
that the best or quickest pickers gather more than three
bushels during one day. To do this is extraordinary
work. There must be a superintendent or overseer
with them, or they will be apt to slight them. The
interest of the cultivator is to have his vines picked
clean.
The second method is by raking. This cannot be
adopted in cranberry yards where the vines have
become matted. To attempt it would be folly, because
the teeth of the rake would tear up the vines and
runners, and do them a serious injury.
Those yards in which the rake is used from the first
(69)
70 CRANBEREY PICKING TIME.
year of gathering the berry, has been the plan adopt-
ed. The rake has pulled the vines in one direction,
and it is always in the direction in which they lie that
they are raked from year to year. Where this plan
is followed, it is not likely to be so injurious as it
would be in the previously mentioned case.
The packing of cranberries is of some importance.
It is usual to spread them out so that all the dcAV or
moisture may evaporate. Then they are winnowed or
picked over. The rotting or defective berries are re-
moved, and they are cleaned over in such a manner
that leaves and straws are not to be found among
them, when in a marketable condition.
If the market to which they are to be forwarded is
not very distant, they are packed dry in barrels, and
thus sent off. But in sending them to EurojDC or Cali-
fornia it is deemed best to pack them in water. Small
kegs are usually secured for this purpose. AYhen they
are thus treated, the good ripe cranberry can be sent
on the longest voyage without being injured.
CHAPTER XII.
THK GREAT CRANBERRY MARKETS.
Boston — New York — Philadelphia — Influence of Climate on
Prices — Relative Yalue of Different Species of Cran-
berries— The Increase in the CoNSUMPTioN of Cranberries.
In the immediate neighborlioods in whicli cran-
berries are cultivated, but few are consumed. The
reason of this is, people living at a distance from the
place in which they are raised are willing to pay a
higher price for them. Time was when the cranberry
was not valued more than the common barberry. But
people have lived to discover its excellent qualities,
and since it is so highly appreciated for its culinary pur-
poses, there are those who are willing to pay an almost
fabulous price for the berry. It has become in manj^
families a necessary luxury. The wealthy would as
soon part with the apple as the cranberry, and it is
the rage among the rich, and even those who are
not so fortunate, for this fruit, which keeps it up
to that price 'vhich puts it beyond the reach of the
poor,
(71)
72 THE GREAT CRANBERRY MARKETS.
Boston is the great market for cranberries. It is
nearest to those regions in which the vine is cultivated,
and the fruit-dealers, knowing how much it is sought
after, can, by the course they have recently pursued,
realize handsome profits upon what they purchase.
Of such profit is the cranberry, that growers have
been visited by city dealers a month or six weeks
before the berry has been ready to pick. They have
offered a price which was deemed handsome by the
cultivator. Some took them, as they bid for the
whole crop, and others refused. Even the last season,
growers received from ten dollars to fifteen dollars per
barrel. This has been obtained in the Boston market.
The New York market is said to be good for the
cranberry, and this is well known to the Boston dealers
who ship the fruit to that port and Philadelphia, and
the other great cities of the Union.
The consumption of the cranberry in the great
cities is such that the dealers can realize their own
prices, by doing as they did last fall, buy up the berry
and get it into their own hands. The wealthy will
have the cranberry, and it is immaterial to them
whether they pay eight or twenty dollars per barrel.
The American cranberry is coming into notice in
many parts of Europe, but more especially in Eng-
land. The way in which it is sold there is in small
bottles, into which the fruit is first put, and then filled
THE GREAT CRANBERRY MARKETS. 73
witli water and hermetically sealed. These are sold at
a high price. We have seen a pint of cranberries
marked " Cape Cod Bell Cranberry," sold at four shil-
lings sterling, in the Strand, London. There is not
the slightest doubt that as the American cranberry is
superior to the English or Eussian, a market will be
found for it, at paying prices, in almost any part of the
civilized world. It seems to us that the American
agriculturists do now take the lead in the cultivation of
this fruit, and will continue to do so. We are con-
vinced from what we know of this country that if our
farmers only proceed in making those trials and experi-
ments which it will be worth their while to do, and
bring their swamps, ponds, and bogs into a proper
condition to receive the vine (in the way we have pre-
viously pointed out), they will not only be able to
supply all that are needed for home consumption, but
foreign demands likewise. But let not any one sup-
pose that more cranberries are now raised than can be
disposed of at paying prices. If the cultivation of the
cranberry proceeds as rapidly as we hope it may, all
that can be raised will find a market in the country.
The influence of the weather upon the English
grain market is well known. How dry. or wet weather
will affect prices there is astonishing. The cranberry
for its market price before it is picked is somewhat
dependent upon the climate
4
74 THE GREAT CRANBERRY MARKETS.
If there has been a frost about the time of blossom-
ing, then that circumstance is laid hold upon, and the
crj is raised, there will be a short crop ; or should
there be too much rain, or too much sunshine, or a
frost early in October, all are equal blessings to the
great dealers, who know well how to manage this part
of the business to their own advantage.
All cranberries are not of equal value. Some will
not keep so long as others, neither are they so highly
colored or flavored as the best varieties, yet the poor-
est berry is often disposed of at the same price as the
best.
There are cranberries which are picked before they
are ripe in order to save them from the frost. In some
parts of the country producers do this to save them-
selves, or their fruit would be affected, and rot. Cran-
berries gathered before they are ripe will not keep so
long as those that have matured.
Hundreds of bushels are taken into the market in
this condition, and they are afterwards branded and
sold as a superior fruit, realizing just as much as the
very best.
Those cranberries which come into the market that
have lost their green hue, and only have a delicate
flesh color must be used within a few months or they
will decay.
Growers of cranberries have their preferences for
/
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J "^N Vi rvj '<,
■5-^^tt;
— ^ Om ^ ""'
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CD
h-
THE GREAT CRANBERRY MARKETS. 75
certain varieties of fruit, yet it is strange tliat there
should be a difference in the quality of this berry, and
all kinds should bear a uniform price.
The Bugle cranberry, or egg shaped, large and
small, is a good variety. It is pale in color, not so
deep and dark a crimson as some other varieties,
neither is it valued so highly by those producers who
are acquainted with the qualities of the Bell or Cherry.
The Cherry is round and large ; of this there are two
varieties, large and small. It is hard, its color dark
almost black when properly cultivated. jSee Plate
lio. 10.
The Bell is the favorite of some of the most exten-
sive cultivators of the cranberry. It is a large variety,
and grows in some parts to great perfection.
The Southern cranberry will ripen, but it is small
and light, consequently not so valuable.
The cranberry grown in those regions of country m
which the season is too short for them, cannot be so
valuable as they otherwise would be.
The cranberry produced on Cape Cod attains greater
perfection than it does in any other country with
which we are acquainted. It is larger : it is deeper in
color ; it will keep better than any other.
The " Cape Cod Bell Cranberry" and the " Cape
Cod Cherry" now take the lead, and must continue to
do so ; and we think that the time will come when
76 THE GREAT CRANBERRY MARKETS.
these varieties must command a liiglier price than any
other that will be offered in the market. The climate
and soil of Cape Cod are well adapted to the perfect
development of the cranberry, and these natural ad-
vantages combined with the experience of cultivators,
gives them the advantage over others.
There is a great increase in the consumption of
cranberries, and this fact should encourage those who
possess lands, of the kind pointed out in the body of
this manual, to make an effort to cultivate the vine.
If you can but get the vine into a favorable situation,
and know how to manage it, it must pay you for the
pains taken in its cultivation.
The cultivation of the cranberry is but in its infancy.
Ten years more of hard and j^ractical experience in its
management will do much to establish or destroy the
theories which have been set up by some cultivators.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE OXYCOCCUS PALUSTRIS, OR, UP-
LAND CRANBERRY.
Since writing the previous parts of this manual, I
have been favored with communications from Professor
Shepherd of the Western Keserve College, Ohio, and
from Mr. Trowbridge of New Haven, Conn., on a
recently discovered upland cranberry, and also with a
specimen of the fruit gathered from the vine in its un-
cultivated condition.
It has long been desired to adapt the lowland or bog
cranberry to the dry, poor, upland soils. Many have
made the attempt to do so, but have failed. If the
variety now under notice is what it purports to be, I
see no reason why it cannot be appropriated by farmers
who possess poor land, thereby superseding the neces-
sity of wasting efforts on attempts to naturalize the
swamp vine to arid uplands.
Professor Shepherd found the upland cranberry
during his recent explorations around Lake Superior.
It was growing on the dryest and poorest soils, flourish-
ing and producing an abundance of fruit.
(77)
78 UPLAND CRANBERRY.
; The fruit, a specimen of which. I now have in mj
possession, is much smaller than the lowland cran-
berry. It resembles an ordinary pea in size and shape.
Its color is of a beautiful pale red. The skin is bright
and glossy. It is not so hard a fruit as the swamp
berry, and therefore will not keep so long. It is soft
and is excellently adapted for jellies and preserves.
The flavor is not so acetous but remarkably pleasant
and agreeable. If the fruit becomes known, it is more
than probable that it will be much sought after. I
have seen a variety much resembling this, growing on
the moors and barren mountains in the north-western
parts of England. The inhabitants of those regions
seek them in their season with great avidity, prizing
them highly for their rare qualities.
The vines on which they are found resemble some-
what the bog cranberry, and they usually bear well.
It is seldom, indeed, that this crop is cut off, for they
are invariably gathered, being ripe, in the early part of
September. The upland cranberry found in the British
Provinces only requires to be known in order to be
appreciated.
The question arises, can it be cultivated and made
to subserve the purposes of the agriculturist ? Can it
be made profitable as a fruit? Why not? If the
swamp cranberry has been cultivated and found to be
of great value to those who have taken pains to grow
UPLAND CRANBERRY. 79
them, why not the upland? The objections which
lie against the latter, ten or fifteen years ago applied
with equal force against the former. What is now
wanted is only a fair trial on the part of those who
take any interest in the cultivation of cranberries.
These vines must be experimented with and tried ; and
doubtless Professor Shepherd feels convinced that they
will be highly remunerative, or he would not recom-
mend them. There are thousands of acres of land in
this country which are dry and parched, and seemingly
unfit for the development of vegetation, but if future
experience in connection with this variety should
prove them to be of value, and their cultivation prac-
ticable, we may hope to see these now useless tracts
occupied and made of use to the farmer.
Without saying anything further, I call the atten-
tion of the reader to Professor Shepherd's letter, upon
which he can form his own opinion, and also to the
announcement found at the end of this manual, that
Mr. Trowbridge has made arrangements to supply this
variety of vine to those who may require it
New Haven, Dec. 28, 1855.
Dear Sir : — As Mr. Trowbridge is about to forward
to you a specimen of the Oxy coccus Palustris, or Up-
land Cranberry, at his request I would respectfully
state that these berries are such as I have seen growing
80 UPLAND CRANBERRY.
in great quantities in various sections of British
America, particularly on the ISTeepegon coast of Lake
Superior.
The plant is much like our common cranberry, but
more vigorous, covering the ground entirely with a
green mat, while the surface is flaming red with
berries, more delicious than anything of the kind I
have ever tasted.
I have no doubt the plants may be propagated to
great advantage on poor, cold, sterile lands of a north-
ern exposure in all the United States. But they
should not be put in marsh or bogs.
KespectfuUy yours.
Forest Shepherd,
Prof. Ag. Chem.f Western Reserve Coll., Ohio.
COREESPOI^DElSrCE,
LETTER I.
Eev. B. Eastwood : — Your letter, asking questions
in regard to planting and raising cranberries, is now
before me, and sliould liave liad an earlier reply but
for my absence from home.
1. The location I chose was peat swamp ^ thickly
grown with what are called whortleberry bushes, and
other wild shrubs. I cleared the bushes and turf clean
to the peat. If any turf is left, rushes and other wild
stuff will get in. Planted the vines in the fall. If
planted in the spring on peat they would suffer from
the drought of summer, and very likely many of them
would die. Peat bottom is very wet and muddy in
the spring, and bad for setting the vines ; while in the
fall the surface of the ground is dry, and the process
is performed comparatively easy.
2. I flood minC; otherwise they would be very likely
to be thrown out of the ground by the frost, particu-
(81)
82 CORRESPONDENCE.
larly tlie first year, and perhaps the second. A friend
of mine cleared a peat swamp the same year I did, but
could not flow it in consequence of its location, the
whole of his vines were thrown out, and had, of course,
to be reset in the spring. Last year, the heavy fall
rains flooded it, and they have since done first rate.
I prefer fall planting, particularly on peat, as the
flooding in winter settles the soil round the roots ; and
in spring as soon as the water is let off, say about the
middle of April, the vines set at once to growing rap-
idly ; very much faster, and come into bearing sooner
on peat bottom than any other.
I set my vines in the fall, say in August and Sep-
tember. The following autumn I only had a bushel
or two ; the next year, about twelve bushels ; and last,
the third year, seventy-three bushels of the very finest
quality of fruit, and I look for a large increase the next
year. It cost me, I think, to clear my swamp (about
one acre and a half), including the cost and setting of
vines, about three hundred dollars, then the turf that
was taken off I consider worth half the money for
manure. Kespectfully, your ob't serv't,
C. Hall.
[Note. — This is one of the most beautiful yards we
have seen. Before Mr. Hall appropriated it to the culti-
vation of cranberries, it was a useless, worthless swamp.
CORRESPONDENCE. 83
We call the reader's attention to tlie cost of this yard,
and the returns which Mr. Hall had from it from the
first to the third year. Setting the third year's yield
at three dollars per bushel, which was a very low price
indeed for cranberries this fall, it gave him two hun-
dred and nineteen dollars, equalling within eighty-one
dollars the original cost of the yard, allowing it to
have been three hundred dollars. (See plate Ko. 10.)
LETTER II.
Dear Sir : — ^Yours of the 1st inst. has this moment
been received, and in reply I would say :
1. My cranberries are grown on a soil of peat much
and loose beach sand (not common earth), which I am
convinced is the element for cranberries to grow in.
2. I plant my cranberries in hills eighteen inches
apart, by making a hole in the ground about three
inches in diameter, and of sufficient depth to receive
the roots of the plants ; then, after placing the vines
in their places, I am careful to have them opened, and
the soil pla-ced in such a manner so as to spread the
hills all around to the sides of the hole that is made
to receive them, so that the hills after they are set
resemble a saucer placed in the ground and partly
84 CORRESPONDEJSICE.
filled with earth. K they are set in a bunch in the
middle of the hole, and the soil placed or filled in close
around them, it keeps them too close or compact to do
well.
3. Mj cranberries that I depend on are surrounded
by wood and brush, so that they are not exposed to
winds and are warm ; such a situation, I think, is much
to be preferred to one that is cold and bleak.
4. I flood my premises at the time the worm makes
its appearance, and no other time.
Yours in great haste,
Cyrus Cahoon".
December 8c?, 1855.
LETTER III.
Dear Sir : — In reply to your inquiry regarding
my success in cultivating a certain piece of cranberry
ground, which I have selected near the sea-shore and
by a sandy pond, Avhere the tide had in previous years
flooded it with salt water during heavy storms, I
would say : I commenced stopping out the water by
throwing up dikes ; after which I planted a few vines
near the pond. The next summer the vines most of
CORKESPONDENCE. 85
tliem died, the ground being too salt for them to thrive.
In two or three years, however, they sprang np and
spread their runners in every direction.
In 1851 I commenced carting sand, making as much
land in the pond as out, leaving the land on the in-
cline towards it. I then planted the vines three feet
apart, in hills, in the spring of the year. The first
season I got but little fruit ; the second, four bushels ;
the third, seventeen ; and this autumn, from thirty
rods of land I gathered seventy-one bushels of cran-
berries. Eespectfully,
November 28, 1855. A. Crowell.
LETTER IV.
Dear Sir : — I have a small piece of cranberry
ground near the sea shore, the soil is part 'peat and
part heacli sand. Those vines that were placed in the
sandy soil look well ; have yielded from one bushel
to two and a half per rod the past year. Those in the
peat soil look very well, but have not been so fruitful.
Yours truly,
Kovemher 27, 1855. John Hall.
4*
86 COHRESPO^'DENCE.
LETTER V.
Dear Sir : — I received yours bearing date of 4tli
inst., asking a few questions in relation to my experi-
ence in the "culture of cranberries," wbicli is not very
extensive ; but have some experience as I have now
under cultivation four different lots, one of about
three-fourths of an acre; one fine mixed sand of a
redish and white^ intermixed with quick sand, which
have been set, one-half eighteen, and the other eight
months, and have flourished well.
My second lot was set about eighteen months on a
redish sand, with stones, mixed with a clay loam ; this
also is doing well.
My third lot is on a salt meadow^ dyked in, this lot
has but a small part been set with vines, as it was
found to be too salt, which will kill the vines in mid-
summer; the meadow is covered with white beach
sand where the vines are set, I think this flourishes
the best if the salt is sufficiently soaked from the soil.
This I consider my best piece, except a lot lately
bought ; the material to set the vines being coarse
beach sand, and sufficiently low that water is not too
far from the vines in the driest season.
My opinion is, that the cranberry vine will grow
the fastest, and bear the largest and finest fruit on
what I call coarse beach sand^ in low, wet soil ; such
CORRESPONDENCE. 87
places we value the most, as the vines run over the
gi'ound so as to cover it, in from two to three years, when
set three feet apart, in hills, and will pay from twenty-
five to fifty per cent, on all investments in land, where
it does not require much expense to remove the land
to a suitable distance from the water.
Yours respectfully,
E. Crowell.
New York, December 7, 1855.
LETTER VI.
Dear Sir : — In answer to your request for some
account of my experience in the production of the
cranberry, I will say, that some ten years since I was
encouraged (from the success of some of my neigh-
bors in the cultivation of the cranberry), to try the
experiment on a small spot of ground, very near the
sea-shorC; in a hollow, where the water in the winter
and spring stood to the depth of a foot in the deepest
part. It generally dried away by June. I had pre-
viously drained and sowed it down to grass, in plough-
ing for that purpose, I had discovered some two or
three vines which stretched out before the plough to
the length of six feet or more, which I thought indi-
cated a favorable location.
SB CORRESPONDENCE.
In the fall of the year I went to a swamp where
vines grew wild, and dug out forty sods, I then dug
out holes with a stub hoe, about three feet apart, into
vsrhich I put these sods of vines, and stamped them in
with my feet. The next season the vines grew rapid-
ly, and as they spread, the other grasses diminished
till the vines had complete possession of about six
rods of ground on one side of the pond or hollow,
where the sand from the beach had blown in and
raised the ground a little. For the last three or four
years there has been produced from one peck to one
bushel per rod. The fruit on one side of these vines,
very soon after they are out of blossom, rots very
much, in some seasons more than one-half of the crop
is thus destroyed before maturity. I am unable to
account for the decay on one part of the lot, while on
the other they come to maturity as sound as cran-
berries in general.
Three years since I had the whole lot improved and
set with vines, they grow very well, and the fruit pro-
duced is sound and healthy. The last season was
very dry, some of the vines, I fear, are destroyed, the
fruit was literally baked on the vines. This spot is
some twenty feet above the sea, the water during the
winter and spring is held by a bed of blue clay,
which lies about three feet below the surface.
In the autumn of 1850 I commenced improving
COKRESPONDENCE. 89
another swfimp for the production of cranberries ; this
swamp was covered with brush and briers, in the
winter it was filled with water to the depth of from
one to two feet. My operations were commenced by
cutting the brush off even with the ice in the winter,
then filling in with common earth (a sandy loam) to a
level three inches above the water line. In June fol-
lowing I set my vines in hills^ about two feet apart^
they have grown very well, are nearly matted over
the ground, and in 1854 I picked about six bushels
from one-fourth of an acre. The last season there was
a prospect of an increase in the product, a much
larger quantity put out on the vines, but the crop was
almost entirely destroyed by the worm, which attacked
them before they were fully grown, and continued
till nearly ripe.
I have continued my operations upon this same
swamp till now, I have my whole claim, about two
acres, set with vines. I have, in filling in the swamp,
used common earth, dead sand from the bank, clay
loam and white sand, and in all cases taken the ground
whence I took my earth down to nearly level with the
swamp and set it with vines. I have to contend Avith
rushes which gTOw rapidly where I have filled in with
bank earth and loam, I mow and rake them off in
July. In places where I have followed three or four
years, ihey are fast diminishing, and will soon be over-
90 COERESPOKDENCE.
come by tlie vii-es. On portions of this swamp cover-
ed with the white sand the vines grow much more
rapidly. I have some which have been planted three
years, which are very well matted now over the
ground. From my inexperience I have not been suffi-
ciently careful in clearing the ground of wild plants,
but am much troubled with a species of low black
berry, which I try to exterminate by pulling it up by
hand.
I would recommend to every beginner to be very
careful to clear the ground of all noxious roots and
plants ; also in the selection of vines, and set such only
as are known to hear fruit.
On the whole, I think my experiments (though
vines grow well and look promising) have not been
attended with the success of some of my favored
neighbors. I think my location is not the best, but
am not discouraged. Eespectfully,
Joseph Hall.
LETTER VII,
Dear Sir : — Agreeable to your request I proceed
to give my opinion, which is formed from my own
personal experience, on the best mode of the culture
CORRESPONDENCE. 91
of cranberries. Coarse light sandy soil is best adapted
to the growth of cranberries. The ground should be
low and moist. The best mode for planting is by
transplanting the vines. Sometimes I set them in
drills, sometimes in sods, say twelve inches apart.
The best time for transplanting is in October or No-
vember. I also think that great advantage is derived
from flooding — although I have no means of flooding
mine, except the rains, but when they are flooded I
am almost certain of a crop. It likewise keeps the
vine from frost during the winter, and kills the many
insects that inhabit these places. I think they should
be drained about the first of May. It usually takes
from four to six years for the vines to get properly
run together — they then yield the largest cranberries.
The yield per rod, as average, is from one to three
bushels. Yery respectfully yours,
December Sth, 1855. HlRAM Hall.
LETTER VIII.
Dear Sir : — In reply to your inquiry concerning
the cultivation of cranberries, I will say, that three
years ago I set out in May about one-half acre with
92 CORRESPONDENCE.
cranberry vines, on a piece of swamp land, bordering
on tlie meadow. It was covered with brakes, bayberry
and whortleberry bushes. I took off the brush and top
sod, removing all the roots, and with them built a
dyke around the piece to keep off the tide water.
Part of this swamp was a soft quagmire, the other a
knoll about three feet high. This knoll I levelled off
by wheeling the soil into the bottom. The soil was a
hard black sand. I then set out the vines in the sods
that I found growing along by the edge of this meadow,
about eighteen inches apart. The bottom, where I
filled in sand, grew up to rushes, so as to obstruct the
spreading of the vines. On the upper part the soil
being hard and surrounded by cold spring loater^ I
think will not prove a favorable location for the
growth of cranberries.
KespectfuUy yours,
December 10th, 1855. IIowES Chapman.
LETTER IX.
Dear Sir : — In the year 1813, by my father's re-
quest, I planted some two rods of cranberry vines by
the side of Scargo Lake, or pond, which I took from
a swamp where they grow in a natural state. They
CORRESPONDENCE. 93
flourished well for some two years and bore some
berries. Then being neglected, the sand blew over
them and they soon became extinct.
In 1840, cranberries bringing a very high price, my
attention was again called to their cultivation, I con-
cluded to go to work on the same spot and prepare the
ground, which I did by removing the sand and levell-
ing the ground of about fifteen rods, within six inches
of water. I then planted the vines, wiiliout the sod^ in
hills, about two feet apart, in the spring of the year,
they grew well, bearing every year but one, when they
were overflowed, the water remaining on them until
the season for blooming was past, as the pond had then
no outlet, but now has.
I have now three-fourths of an acre set with vines,
The soil is coarse sand, and lies on the westerly side of
said pond. I have never received any injury from
frost, spring nor fall, and have always delayed gather-
ing until about the 10th of October, when the fruit
would be ripe. I have kept no record of the num-
ber of bushels I have gathered, but have taken two
and a half bushels from one rod in some years. When
I first commenced, I made the ground level, but now
I leave it in the form of an inclined plane ; my reason
for this alteration is, the land being high, and too
much cold water oozing from the ground, which I
think is a damage that causes the moss to grow and
94 CORRESPONDENCE.
root out the vines very soon ; all they want is the
ground moist and loose.
Yours respectfully,
Decemher ISiL 1855. Thos. Hall.
LETTER X.
Dear Sir : — In the fall of 1852 I bought a piece of
low springy land adjoining a salt meadow, then well
covered with the rush grass. I put on from the ad-
joining embankment about one foot of sand ; in taking
which I w^idened my cranberry ground about two
rods. I set out my vines the same fall in sods eighteen
inches apart.
When spring came I found my sods or vines all
thrown out of the ground by the frost, and appearing as
though they had never been planted. I then again
replanted the vines hill by hill. The second year the
rush made its appearance again on that part of the
ground filled in, and has increased to this time, threat-
ening destruction to everything that comes in its way.
I consider this piece of ground a failure, except the
strip two rods wide adjoining the embankment or
upland.
My first mistake was, selecting a cold, springy piece
CORRESPONDENCE. 95
of land, and my next was, planting the vines in the
fall on a piece of gi'ound that could not be protected
from the frost bj flowing, by which means the vines
were stunted and their vigor destroyed so that they
could not compete with the surrounding grass, and
were, therefore, overpowered.
I have one other piece of cranberry ground adjoining
a large pond, warm and sandy. I set out the vines on
this piece in May, and got two bushels of cranberries
to an acre the same year. This piece having been
planted but eighteen months, promises finely, but I do
not expect much yield till the third year. This piece
cost me, when compljeted, at the rate of $750 per acre.
It is made on the poorest sandy soil I could get, and
such I would recommend to the cranberry grower, as
I never saw a soil so poor that cranberry vines would
not grow in it. My idea is, the poorer the soil the
less trouble I shall have to keep down other grass, no
fear of the vines, they will grow where no grass will.
Yours,
December ll^A, 1855. J. C. HowES.
LETTER XI.
Dear Sir: — I received yours of the 8th instant,
and will proceed to answer your questions :
96 CORRESPONDENCE.
" On wliat location do you prefer to plant vines?"
I consider them rather of a marine plant, and there-
fore should prefer to plant as near salt water as possi-
ble, and not have them overflowed with salt water.
" What soil do you prefer ?" A wet, sandy soil,
the whiter the sand the better. My reasons are, there
will be less grass grow to choke the cranberry vine,
and the berry will grow larger.
" What is your method of setting out, in hills or
drills ?" I have set them in hills and in drills, and
am not able to decide which flourishes best.
"Do you flood?" I do, where it is practicable it
protects the vine from frost.
" Do you consider it a profitable undertaking?" I
do, if any one has a proper place. I have raised three
bushels of cranberries on one rod.
Eespectfully, J. Freman.
Orleans, December lOth, 1855.
The following instructions were written by Mr.
Bates, to guide those who intended to cultivate the cran-
berry on uplands. We subjoin it for the purpose of
giving the intending cultivator the advantage of this
method : —
CORRESPONDENCE. 97
" 1st. Select a situation for your cranberry field on a
clay soil, on such as is not liable to bake, or on a dark
loam soil, or on all moist soils where there is a mix-
ture of sand, mostl}^ of reclaimed lands ; such as can
be made moderately dry, are well adapted to grow the
cranberry. In fact most all soil that is natural to
grow the potatoe, is well adapted to grow the cran-
berry, {yet the first mentioned soil loould he jpreferred),
I think there are portions on most of the farms situ-
ated in the Middle States, and their vicinity, that are
well adapted to grow the cranberry, and I should pro-
pose to all desirous of commencing the business, to put
their plants on different parts of their soil, and by so
doing the better soils may be ascertained. As far as I
have ascertained, there are three varieties of cranberry,
viz: — the Bugle, the Cherry, and the Bell — I have
never known of any other variety of the berry that
would naturalize to dry soil except the Bugle cran-
berry ; this species of the berry grows much in the
form of an egg — it is inclined to grow in the wild
state on the borders of cranberry bogs, spreading its
way to upland soil, this species is much larger than
the others in its wild state. Persons engaging in the
cultivation of the article should commence with the
last mentioned species, and by commencing Avith those
that have been cultivated and naturalized to a dry soil,
they will much sooner accomplish their object, and
5
98 COnEESPONDENCE.
with mucli less trouble and expense, ?.s tlie plants
multiply and increase abundantly. Persons com-
mencing witli one or two thousand will be able to ob-
tain plants of their own raising sufficient to trans-
plant acres in two or three years.
' ' 2d. Prepare your soil the same as for sowing grain,
by plowing, harrowing, and making your soil even —
then mark it out in drills, eighteen or twenty inches
apart, putting the plants in the drills five or six inches
apart — hoc them slighth^ at first, till the roots become
clinched, and afterAvards no other cultivation is needed.
The plants may be expected to run together and cover
the whole soil in two or three years. The cranberry
grown by cultivation usually jdelds from 150 to 400
bushels per acre ; its fruit is tAvo or three times as
large as the wild fruit, and of beautiful flavor ; it
readily keeps sound from the harvest time of it to the
time of harvest again." — Afaine Farmer.
LETTER XII.
Dear Sir : — I have tried the experiment of raising
cranberries on the uplands. In the fall of 1852 I set
out vines on about one-quarter of an acre of ground,
which was on a very high hill, the soil was a gravelly
CORRESPONDENCE. 99
loam. The vines lived and bore a few cranberries.
The .soil, I think, was rather too rich, having been
manured the year previous ; in consequence of this,
the grass grew up and choked the vines. Besides this,
the summer following the one in which I set my vines
we had a severe drought, which dried and baked the
ground to the great injury of the vines. I believe
that if I had set out the vines in the spring^ and hoed
tliem two or three times during the season, they would
have done much better and yielded a larger crop.
From the experiments which I have made in
upland cultivation of the cranberry, I believe that the
vine can be successfully cultivated on the upland;
providing the vines are well cultivated. I design set-
ting out another patch, on the cultivation of which I
intend to apply the knowledge I have gained from my
former experiment. Eespectfully,
James Howes.
LETTER XIII.
Dear Sir : — Yours to Thomas Lathrop, Esq., of
the 8th inst, came duly to hand, and he has request-
ed me to answer your questions to him.
1. As to the location, " before the growing of cran-
100 COmiESPONDENCE.
berries there," he would state that it was a swamp
varying from two to five feet in depth of water and
springy peat. Beach sand (the only soil we have here)
was carried on so as to raise the swamp a few inches
above the ordinary height of the water in July, and
the vines were set in said sand.
2. As to the kinds of soil, we have but one kind in
this town, and that is pure beach sand ; hence we can
"prefer" no other if we would.
3. Mr. Lathrop is unable to " determine" the cost
of preparing the ground and setting his vines. His
work has been expensive, as it was prejoaratory to his
future doings. Much of it has been in roads, beach
grassing hills, &c. He will bring into vines about
seventy acres at much less cost than his four or five of
cranberry ground now in good condition.
4. As to " flooding vines," nature does all that is or
can be done in this respect. The water in all our back
swamps (and some of these contain several hundred
acres) is upon the same level. How can you make it
otherwise with beach sand through which the water
must filtrate so readily? Yines are now in most
places one foot or more from (or above) the water.
5. The "yield per acre" cannot be definitely deter-
mined, as his vines are not regarded as yet fully in a
bearing condition. His lot first planted of two or
three acres, (he has never measured it) about the sixth
CORRESPONDENCE. 101
year yielded seventy barrels — tlie next year fifteen
barrels— and the next, or the last year, eighty barrels.
The springs were very low the last year, and the
berries suffered, otherwise I think he would have
doubled the quantity. He has kept most of them, and
has had offered $16 per barrel, in New York. You ^vill
agree with me in supposing that low as it is, $1280 is
not a small income from so small a field.
In Mr. Lathrop's absence I make these statements*
Perhaps hereafter he will favor you with other and
more interesting. I have, however, been familiar with
all his management, and am personally interested in
the cranberry culture. I have recently bought one-
sixth of a cranberry swamp, where the company have
built a house, and employed a man by the year in
bringing it to cranberry vines. . I also own another
lot, where at much less expense I hope to bring a large
lot into cranberry land.
There are companies, like that with which I am con-
nected, formed, and they have brought swamp into
vines at a cost from $200 to $400 per acre.
Yours truly. 0. Myrick.
Provincetown, December 12thj 1855
The following letter, cut fix)m the Journal of Com-
merce^ which was communicated by Mr. Bagley, will be
102 CORRESPONDENCE.
both, instructive and interesting, as it very forcibly
illustrates some of the principles laid down in this
"Manual." We commend it to the reader, believing
that useful hints may be gathered from it, and applied
on some lands, to the successful cultivation of the
cranberry :
CRANBERRIES — THEIR CULTIVATION.
"I chose for the experiment a maple swamj) on high
land, containing peat (95-100 vegetable matter) from
one to ten feet deep. We commenced draining it in
June, 1849, and having set a few vines for trial, we
proceeded to cultivate corn and potatoes ; but finding,
after two or three years, that we were obliged to keep
it too dry for cranberries, we concluded to set it all with
vines, in order to flow it, which would injure other
cro]3S, and I have now nine acres of vines, mostly set
within about three years. My mode of cultivation is
as follows, viz. : we clear up the swamp by taking off
the top, roots and all, to the depth of one foot or more
(which makes excellent manure for the adjoining up-
land), and having drained it by ditching, mark out the
ground w^ith the corner of the hoe, and set out the
vines, which we have obtained from the common wild
bogs, wherever we could get them ; and having drop-
ped five or six vines in the hoe mark, stamp them in
with the heel, and haul on some dirt with the hoe,
CORRESPONDENCE. 103
covering the vines about two-thirds up with dirt.
This operation may be performed at any time of the
year, Avhen the ground is not frozen^ if not too dry.
It is then necessary to keep them clear of grass and
weeds.
"I have heretofore thought that grass would not
hurt them after the vines got well spread ; but I am
convinced by this year's experience that they cannot
be kept too clean. I have one acre that was set four
years ago. About three-quarters of the acre has been
covered with rushes, and is now ; while the other
quarter at one end of the lot has been kept clean. I
have the past week measured off one square rod of the
clean vines, and gathered two-and-a-half bushels of
berries from the rod, which is no more than an average
of the quarter acre, which will be testified to by the
gentleman who assisted me in picking them, as also by
several other gentlemen who have seen them since, as
the other berries yet remain on the vines. The other
three-quarters acre covered with grass, has been mostly
picked ; and although the vines are as large, I shall
not get twenty-five bushels of berries from the three-
quarters acre — the one yielding at the rate of four hun-
dred bushels per acre, the other about thirty, showing
the great advantage of keeping the vines clean.
" My meadow would probably have yielded one hun-
dred barrels more this year, had it been kept clean. I
104 CORRESPONDENCE.
pick mj berries by hand, as I am convinced tliere is no
advantage in raking them.
"We have to pick after the rake, and I do not think
the vines will bear as well the next year. I flow my
meadow about two feet deep in the month of December,
and keep it on until the middle of May, when I draw it
down, leaving about two inches of water on the surface
under the vines, as long as there is any fear of the frosts ;
then keep it as near the top of the ground as I can.
The rake also bruises the berry, and causes it to rot.
I find the cranberry will begin to bear well from three
to five years after setting. The cost of cultivation I
shall put in round numbers as follows, viz. : Cost of
land, $12 per acre ; cleaning, $100 ; vines and setting,
$50 ; cost of cultivation, $10 per year — for four years,
$40 : total, $202. But the top that we take off is worth
$20 for manure, leaving $182. Interest for four years,
makes $229.34 per acre. My four-year-old vines that
are clear from grass (say half an acre more or less),
will average three hundred bushels per acre. I have
been offered $2.50 per bushel above the cost of pick-
ing, which gives one a clear profit over and above the
cost of land and cultivation on the half acre, of
$260.33. I do not gather my berries until they are
ripe ; for if picked while green, they are bitter and un-
fit for use ; although by spreading they may become
quite red, still they are not worth half price.
CORRESPONDENCE. 105
" Tliey may bo spread on floors, or put in good bar-
rels and piled on tlie north, side of a building, until
cold weather, Avhen they should be put under cover,
in a cool cellar, or building, where it will not freeze
hard.
" The berry will not be as red as it would be if
spread, but I think it will keep better. For my ex-
periment with the cranberry on upland, I selected a
piece of new land where the wood had just been cut
off. I had it dug over with the grub hoe in the fall of
1849, taking out the loose stones and roots ; and hav-
ing prepared four square rods, I had it drilled eighteen
inches apart, filling the drills with peat mud. I took
the vines from a wild wet bog in the month of Novem-
ber, and set them about one foot apart in the drills.
This is all that has been done for them except to keep
them clear from weeds for two years.
"In the fall of 1853, I picked from the lot two
bushels and three pecks of berries. In the summer of
1854, they bade fair to yield a mucli better crop, but
were cut off by the hot and dry weather in August, and
I did not get quite two bushels.
"Last winter the vines were killed, probably by the
extreme cold weather, but sprang up again from the
roots and bloomed very fully — ^but so late in the season
that they have been much affected by the drought, and
I shall not get more than one-and-a-half bushel. The
- 5*
106 CORRESPONDEKCE.
land and labor, with, interest for four years, cost about
$1.25 per rod. This, as will be seen, gives a good
profit ; but the cranberry crop is uncertain, unless in
situations where they can be flowed in winter and kept
moist.
"Yarieties. — The folly of asserting that there is
but one variety of the cranberry, can only be equalled
by asserting that there is but one variety of the apple,
the pear, or the potato — the former maintaining their
peculiar forms, colors, and times of ripening, as dis-
tinctly as either of the latter; the large white cran-
berry, on which there is nothing but a faint blusli
(some of them being entirely white), growing side by
side with the small and entirely red berry, that is never
one-quarter as large. So with many other kinds. In-
deed, they vary in form much more than many distinct
varieties of the apple.
" I have a large variety on my meadow, by getting
the vines from all the wild bogs in the vicinity. I
have several kinds growing in separate beds, and have
marked several other kinds, which I intend to set by
themselves in the spring. I have twenty varieties
put up for " The American Institute Fair." — Edmund
Bagley, in Journal of Commerce.
[Note. — Some producers are not prepared to admit
that there are more than two or three varieties of the
CORRESPOXDENCK. 107
cranberry, but we believe tliat more extended ac-
quaintance Avith tbis fruit will set tliem at a higher
number.] Septimus.
I^ETTER XIV.
Dear Sir — Having had some experience in the
cultivation of the cranberry, I find that the soil best
adapted to the growth of the cranberry is heach sand,
or light sandy earth.
In our selection of a plat we should be particular in
making use of one that can be flooded from JSTovember
to the first of June, which prevents the insects from
destroying the blossom or cranberry. To do this, level
the surface and dyke the land where it does not com-
municate with a i^ond.
The best time for transplanting the vine is the
spring months, not removing the earth from the roots.
Decemher llth. 1855. Abijah Howes.
108 VINES, WHERE TO BE HAD.
VINES, WHERE TO BE HAD.
From wliat has been stated in the previous parts of
this manual, some readers may have determined upon
attempting the cultivation of the cranberry, and are
desirous of obtaining vines of the quality described —
vines which have been naturalized by cultivation.
I can recommend all such inquirers to William Crowell,
Esq., of No. 26 Coenties Slip, New York, N. Y., for
vines with which to set out a patch or yard. His vines
can be relied upon as being of the best quality. Letters
addressed to him or the author of this work, through
the publishers, ^\'ill be promptly attended to.
The vines which Mr. Crowell has for sale are trans-
ported from his yard on Cape Cod to New York, so
that orders can be filled as soon as they are received.
Good vines, I mean those which have been improved hy
cultivation^ can be supplied at from $7 to $10 per thou-
sand. It will be found that plants of this description
are cheaper in the end than those which are procured
wild from the bog, though the latter are furnished at a
much lower rate. It will require some years to bring
the wild vine to that state of perfection which belongs
to the cultivated one. And the probability is, that
many vines obtained wild from the swamp are barren ;
it will therefore be cheaper to purchase those the quali-
ties of which are known and proved.
APPENDIX
TO THE
FURNISHED BY THE HON. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR OF THE '' NEW ENGLAND
FARMER," FROM THE TRANSACTIONS OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, MASSACHUSETTS, 1855.
I ACKNOWLEDGE my obligations to the Hon. Simon
Brown, Editor of the JSfeio England Farmer for the ma-
terial whicli constitutes the appendix to this treatise.
I commend what is here embodied to the careful at-
tention of the reader, believing that he will find the
intelligent statements made on the culture of cranberries
to be worthy of his notice. They are highly practical,
and if carried out on the lands distinctly named herein,
they Avill be followed with some degree of success. I
would call the reader's attention more especially to the
statistics which are given, as they so clearly show that
what has been said on this fruit is not an exaggeration
of its value to the farmer.
The following are taken from the Keport of the Mid-
dlesex Countv (Mass.) Agricultural Society for 1855 :
(09)
110 APPENDIX.
MR. ADDISON FLINT'S METHOD OF CRANBERRY CULTI-
VATION, WITH STATISTICS.
To the Committee on Cranherries.
Gentlemen : — I see in your advertisement of pre-
miums to be distributed, one for Cranberries, which I
hope to obtain ; and I refer you, for a description of the
manner in which I proceeded to raise them, to the Ag-
riculture of Massachusetts, as shown in the returns of
the Agricultural Societies of 1853, pp. 245, as follows : —
Mr. Flint's Statement. — In the autumn of 1848,
I built a dam and flowed the swamp from that time till
August, 1846 ; then let off the water.
The following October, burnt over .the swamp and
set the vines. The vines were cut up with a sharp hoe
or shovel, and set in hills, three and one-half feet apart ;
the bunches about the size of a quart measure.
In raising from the seed, I planted in October, 1846,
about half an acre ; crushing each berry between the
thumb and finger, and placing it just under the mud,
single berries in a hill, three and a half feet apart. Also,
sowed broadcast a number of bushels of refuse cran-
berries the following spring. Very few vines appeared
from them for two or three years ; no berries till 1852,
then very small ; in 1853, good size, in quantity worth
picking.
My practice has been to stop tlie water in October,
APPENDIX. Ill
and keep it on till May, or until the weather is warm
enough to start vegetation— then lower it down to the
top of the vines, and keep it on them until I think the
spring frosts are over, then let the vines be fairly out
of water until the berries are grown— say from 10th to
15th August— then draw it off for ripening and picking.
We found three or four small beds of native vines
on the swamp, after we let off the water to set the
vines, and a few very fine berries ; there are now proba-
bly a dozen beds that bear berries.
In 1850, we picked seventeen bushels of berries on
the swamp ; in 1851, twenty-eight bushels ; in 1852,
ninety-three bushels ; in 1853, we estimated them at
one hundred and fifty bushels.
In 1852, the native vines produced by estimation, be-
fore selling, forty bushels ; the transplanted vines, sixty
bushels ; the increase this year is principally from the
transplanted vines.
I now give you a statement of the proceeds :
1850, picked 17 bushels, sold 15 Ik bushels for $2Q 20
1851, " 28 " " 26 " " TO 00
1852, " 93 '' '' 93 " " 300 00
1853, " 52 bbls., " 52 bbls. *' 380 00
1854, " 47 " " 47 '' " 305 00
1855, " 50 " by estimation, probable value 500 00
$1581 00
I learn from the first Annual Report of the Secretary
of the Board of Agriculture, that the cost of preparing
112 APPENDIX.
land and setting vines is $1,50 to $1,87^ per rod,
wMcli is very extravagant, compared with, the manner
I have pursued : —
The cost of building my dam by contract . $20 00
Ox labor, furnished by myself, estimated . 5 00
Setting vines on about an acre . . . 25 00
$50 00
The cost of stopping and letting off water, and
taking care of the same since 1846, yearly,
$10,00 $90 00
Reckoning the cranberries, for the past six years, at
six hundred bushels, and the cost of picking and
marketing the same at 75 cents per bushel 450 00
$540 00
Net profit on $50, expended nine years . . $1041 20
Yearly income on $50 115 67
Eespectfully 3^ours,
North Reading^ Sept. 25, 1855. Addison Flint.
[Note. — Since the above statement was made, the
Secretary has learned from Mr. Flint that he had just
fifty barrels of cranberries as his crop of 1855, which
he sold for tldrteen dollars a barrel, delivered at the depot
two miles from his house, maldng the pretty sum of
six hundred and fifty dollars as the product of two acres
of what was quite recently an almost worthless bog
meadow. Mr. Flint also states, that in looking about
he notices a good many tracts of land apparently as
good for the cranberry crop as his, aud that some of the
pieces might much more readily be flowed aud re
claimed than his own.]
APPENDIX. 113
MR. AUGUSTUS H. LELAND'S METHOD OF CRANBERRY
CULTURE.
Gentlemen: — Tlie piece of cranberry meadow to
wliicli I invite your attention, contains about three-
quarters of an acre. The mud and peat is deep, and
the plat rests on a light layer of sand, and under that,
as near as I could ascertain, at one point a clayey
gravel. There were four or more kinds of grass upon
this piece which had been cut off yearly ever since
my rememberance.
The first of these grasses is called carex filiforniis —
a kind of sedge-grass, which passes by the name of
water-grass — grew upon the greater portion of this
piece. Another kind is the carex stricta^ a kind of
sedge-grass called hassock-grass, and also a narrow-
leaved sword-grass. The third kind, carex locustris, a
kind of sedge-grass with broad leaf, and is called broad -
leaved sword-grass. The fourth kind is scripus erio-
'pJiorum^ the true name being wool-grass, called the
broad-leaved sword-grass and also broad-grass. These
grasses I shall allude to in my experience which will
be annexed to this statement.
In the autumn of the year 1838, I think, with a
cast-iron shovel gi^ound sharp and put in good cutting
order, I removed squares or sods of the turf from the
ground, one side of these squares nearly correspond-
114 APPENDIX.
ing ill length to the width of the shovel, the depth of
the hole being from four to five inches. I then fron^
beds of vines cut sods of vines corresponding in size
and in depth to that which I had removed, which I
placed in the holes already made, and with the feet
trod or pressed them firmly into the hole, that they
might not be disturbed by the action of the ice or
water, during the v.dnter or spring. The distance of
these sods, or hills, one from another, was from three
and a half to four feet. As some of these vines which
I transplanted had grown from fifteen to eighteen
inches in length and lay nearly level with the ground,
care was taken to raise the vines and place the shovel
under so as not to cut off the vines, and also to get a
sod of the proper size, otherwise the vines would be
cut off and greatly injured. As far as I have seen,
vines which are of much length, and which lay under
water during the winter and spring, will, if let alone,
naturally lean to the north-east, (for the same reason
that fruit trees lean that way), and as I rake my vines
all one way, that is, I draw the rake from the south-
west to the north-east, so I placed those sods of vines
which did not stand erect so that they would lean to
the north-east.
Every year since the year 1840, these vines were
eaten up as regularly as the year came round by a
worm, called in this vicinity the cranberry Avorm.
APPENDIX. 115
This worm may be the same, or at least a species of
the same worm, which operated the hxst of June on
the apple tree; its appearance to the e;yc is the same,
its operations the same, and it has the same faculty of
jerking itself back as the apple-tree worm. Some sea-
sons they seemed to threaten total annihilation, the
vines presenting to the eye the same appearance that
an orchard does when its foliage has been eaten by the
canker worm. To destroy this worm, the vines were
kept under water from spring until the first of July,
1852. This destroyed all the worms I believe, as I
have not seen one since. When the water was taken
off the vines grew vigorously, forming the blossom bud
for the present year, and the result is as handsome
a lot of berries as ever was seen.
Nearly every year I have cut the grass near the firsi
of July, thereby giving the plants the air, sun, and
light.
One side of this piece borders upon a small brook,
which, previous to my cultivating the vine, in a dry
time Avould become dry. In this brook I formed a
dam in two places ; these dams, most of the time in
a season like this, keep the meadow Avet, and the water
is forced back among the vines, the object of which is
to protect them from frosts, which usually occur in
all the summer months in low lands.
In addition to the above statement, I would like to
116 APPENDIX.
give my experience in the cultivation of the cranberry ;
I would do it with the hope that by my efforts and
experience, whether successful or otherwise, the culti-
vators of this fruit may be encouraged and emboldened
to persevere in the cultivation of this delicious fruit,
which promises the cultivator so great a reward.
It is more than twenty years since I entered upon
the cultivation of the vine with high hopes, believing
that the cranberry Avas a hard thing to exterminate,
that it would destroy grass in all situations and in all
soils, and cause even hassocks to disappear. But after
a trial and many years of observation, I find the cran-
berry a hard plant to destroy, except with the piough,
and that it will not root out and destroy all grasses in
all situations and soils. I find that in some soils the
vine will not drive out certain kinds of grasses, when
in other soils it may succeed. Take for instance that
kind of sedge-grass which we call hassock-grass, this
upon banks of streams, and in our swails where it is
more or less irrigated, roots with such strong hold and
throws up the blades of grass so thickly that there is
no room for the vine in a soil less rich, and the vine
will in all probability succeed.
Take, for instance, the osmunda spectcibiUs^ called in
this vicinity buckthorn, and is known to botanists by
the name of flowering fern. This grows in the form
of a tree, its slender stem supporting a large top with
APPENDIX. 117
a large leaf,- oversLado^vdng all around, and shutting
out the sun, light and air so much that the vine can-
not grow. On one occasion I set out vines among the
flowering fern and in about three or four years the
sods of vines could not be found. Close by the side of
this was a large bed of vines, covering nearly a quarter
of an acre of ground, (except four or five little places of
a few yards in each), which was flowering fern or buck-
thorn. In order that the ground might be compara-
tively covered with vines, I cut up and carted this
buckthorn to the upland, and set sods of vines in its
place, expecting that they would some day take the
place of the buckthorn. In this I have not been dis-
appointed, for these plats are loaded with the largest
fruit ; so thickly do the berries lay this day, that in
some places they would, if collected and laid upon a
level place, completely cover the ground. But this
quarter of an acre of vines in a few years was gone,
except a few stray runners ; the flowering fern had
taken their place, and the plats I set out are only left to
tell where the original bed of vines stood. Now I do
not suppose that in every situation and kind of soil
that this fern would supplant the place of the vine —
although in this case it did. I have several small plats
of ground besides, one containing some- fifty square
rods, the turf containing the roots of the buckthorn.
I cut in strips about fifteen inches wide, and set it up
edge- wise to dry. These were burnt when dry and the
118 APPENDIX.
ashes carried to the compost heap, as they are not
needed on this soiL
These plats were set with sods, with most excellent
success — one-half rod gave me this season one bushel
of berries, which is at the rate of at least three hun-
dred and twenty bushels to the acre. These experi-
ments show clearly that the plant cannot be set in this
grass with any prospect of success. There is another
kind of grass called j)olly pod, also, small brake, Dry-
ojpteris tlielypleris, which, as far as I have seen where it
covers the ground, casts so much shade that the
vine cannot succeed in it. It is more easily pulled up
than the buckthorn-, and when dried and buiTied,
vines may be set with good results.
There is another kind called by some the broad-
leaved sword-grass, and by others broad-grass, and by
botanists wool-grass^ sciiyus eriopliorum. It grows in
round plats or clumps, varying in diameter from three
to twelve feet. In the piece I presented to 3^ou for
examination there are several plats of this grass,
which show that the vine cannot take root in it.
Upon this same piece of ground is another kind of
grass covering some two rods called carex lacustris, a
coarse kind of sedge-grass; its general appearance
does not differ from wool-grass, the blades of which
are not so thickly set in the soil as the wool-grass, yet
sufficiently so as that the vine succeeds with dif-
ficulty.
APPENDIX. 119
The other kind of grass in tliis piece is called carex
filiformis^ a kind of sedge-grass, and water-grass. This
grows in wet places, throwing a less number of blades
which cast less shade, and when mown there is less
stubble than any other kind of grass I have noticed.
On the whole, the vines have flourished quite as well
in this as in any other grass, although my success
has been equally good on one piece of hassock and
sedge-grass.
On another plat which was covered with hassocks I
set sods between them which have nearly disappeared,
the hassocks standing alone in their glory. I would
recommend that all hassocks be removed before setting
out vines. And also, let no man set out rose-bushes
with his vines.
I would suggest that when the thermometer, the
direction of the wind, &c., denote a frost, if there be a
stream of water which the cultivator can command,
that a dam be built and so constructed that the water
may be thrown back during a cold spell, and Avhen it
is past let the water run again. If a stream of water
of sufficient size does not flow — -reservoirs of Avater
may in places be laid up for use in a frosty time.
As far as my observation extends, there are but few
soils in which the cranberry Avill not flourish. When
they will not, the character of the soil may be changed
by carting on gravel, loam or sand, at any time in
winter; if necessar}-, spread it upon the ice from one
120 APPENDIX.
to tliree inches in depth ; the vines will find their way
through and grow with new life and vigor.
I have in two instances made trial of burning the
vines because they were old and did not seem to bear
fruit. These pieces contained together some ten to
fifteen rods.
I can sae no good reason for burning vines except to
destroy the cranberry worm when it cannot be done
by flowing in summer. If burning is resorted to,
great care must be taken not to burn in too dry a time.
If there be but few vines and other matter to burn, it
would be necessary to select a time more dry than if
there were a great body of vines — as they would burn
almost any time when once on fire.
Meadows for cranberries must not be drained.
Above is my statement, and also my experience, and
I rest my claim for the premium on three reasons.
1. The successful experiment in transplanting.
2. In establishing the principle that flowing until
the first of July will effectually destroy the cranberry
worm, so destructive to the vine.
And lastly, yet by no means the least, my experi-
ence and observation of more than twenty years in the
cultivation of the vine in the different grasses, which
may, by being given to the public, save those who cul-
tivate this fruit, much precious time as Avell as large
sums of money. Augustus H. Leland.
Sherhorn^ September 13, 1853.
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BROWNE'S AMERICAN BIRD FANCIER, ------ 25
The Breeding, Bearing, Feeding, Management and Peculi-
arities of Cage and House Birds. Illustrated with engravings.
BROWNE'S AMERICAN POULTRY YARD, ------ 1 Oa
Comprising the Origin, History and Description of the
Different Breeds of Domestic Poultry, with Complete Directions for their Breeding,
Crossing, Rearing, Fattening and Prep'aration for Market ; including specific directions
for Caponizing Fowls, and for the Treatment of the Principal Diseases to which they are
subject, drawn from authentic sources and personal observation. Illustrated with
numerous engravings.
BROWNE'S (D. JAY) FIELD BOOK OF MANURES, - - - - 1 25
Or, American Muck Book ; Treating of the Nature, Properties,
Sources, History and Operations of all the Principal Fertiliz;u-3 and Manures in LVjmmou
Use, with specific directions for their Preservation aud AjipUcation to the Soil and to
CfOjis ; drawn from authentic sources, actual experience and personal observation, as
combined with the Leading Principles of Practical and Scientific Agriculture.
BRIDGEMAN'S (THOS.) YOUNG GARDENER'S ASSISTANT, - - 1 50
In Three Parts ; Containing Catalogues of Garden and Flower
Seed, with Practical Directions under each head for the Cultivation of Cu nary Vege-
tables, Flowers, Fruit Trees, the Grape Vine, &c. ; to which is added a Calendar to each
part, showing the work necessary to bo done in the various departments each mouth
of the year. One volume ocUivo.
BRIDGEMAN'S KITCHEN GARDENER'S INSTRUCTOR, 'A Cloth, 50
«' *« »' ♦' Cloth, 60
Hooks published by A. O. Moore & Co.
BRIDGEMAN'S FLORIST'S GUIDE, H Cloth, 60
" " " Cloth, 60
SaiDGEMAK'S FSTHT CTJLTIVATOE'S MANUAL, - - K Cloth, 60
" '' " " - - Cloth, 60
BBEC2S BOOK OF FLOY.rEES, 1 GO
In which are Described all the Various Hardy Herbaceous
Perennials, Auauals, Shrubs, Plants and Evergreen Trees, with Directions for their
Cultivation.
BUIST'S (ROBEET) ASIEFwICAN FLOWER GARDES' DIRECTORY, 1 25
CoNTAixixG Practical Directions for the Culture of Plants,
in tho Flower Garden, Hothouse, Creonhousc, Rooms or Parlor Windows, for every
month in the Year ; with a Description of the Plants most desirable in each, the nature
of the Soil and situation best adapted to their Growth, tho Proper Season for Trans-
planting, &c. : with Instructions for erecting a Hothouse, Grecnhonse, and Laying out
a Flower Garden ; the whole adapted to either Large or Small Gardens, with Instruc-
tions for Preparing the Soil, Propagating, Planting, Pruning, Training and Fruiting the
Grape Vine.
BUIST'S (ROBERT) FAMILY KITCHEN GARDENER, - - - 75
Containing Plain and Accurate Descriptions of all the
Different Species and Varieties of Culinary Vegetables, with their Botanical, English,
French and German names, alphabetically arranged, with the Best Mode of Cultivat-
ing them in tho Garden or under Glass ; also Descriptions and Character of tho mo&l
Select Fruits, their Management, Propagation, &c. By Robert Buist, author of the
"American Flower Garden Directory," &c.
CHINESE SUGAR CANE AND SUGARrMAKING, . - . - 25
Its History, Culture and Adaptation to the Soil, Climate,
and Economy of the United States, with an Account of Various Processes of Manu-
facturing Sugar. Drawn from authentic sources, by Ch.\rles F. Stansbury, A. M., late
Commissioner at the Exhibition of all Nations at London.
CHOELTON'S GRAPE-GROWER'S GUIDE, 60
Intended Especially foe the American Climate. Being a
Practical Treatise on the Cultivation of the Grape Vine in each department of Hot-
hoiiS3, Cold Grapery, PvOtarding House and Out-door Culture. With Plans for the con-
struction of the Requisite Buildings, and giving the best methods for Keating the same.
Every department being fully illustrated. By Willlvm Chorlton.
COBBETT'S AMERICAN GARDENER, 60
A Treatise on the Situation, Soil and Laying-out of Gardens,
and the Making and Managing of Hotbeds and Greenhouses, and on the Propagation
and Cultivation of the several sorts of Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits and Flowers.
COTTAGE AND FARM BEE-KIIEPER, 60
A Practical Work, by a Country Curate.
COLE'S AMERICAN FRUIT BOOK, - - - 50
Containing Directions for Raising, Propagating and Manag-
iug Fruit Trees, Shrubs and Plants ; with a Description of the Best Varieties of Fruit,
inclurling New and Valuable Kinds.
COLE'S AMERICAN VETERINARIAN, - 60
Containing Diseases of Domestic Animals, their Causes, Symp-
toms and Remedies ; with jiules for Pvestoring and Preserving Health by good manage-
ment ; also for Training and Breeding.
DADD'S AMERICAN CATTLE DOCTOR, 1 00
Containing the Necessary Inform.\tion for Preserving the
Health and Curing the Diseases of Oxen, Cows, Sheep and Swine, with a Great Variety
of Original RociiXiS and Valuable Information in reference to Farm and Dairy Manage-
ment, whereby every Man can bo his own Cattle Doctor. Tlie principles taught in this
%vorlc are, that all Jledication shall be subservient to Nature — that all Medicines must ba
sanative in their operation, and administered with a view of aiding the vital powers,
instead of depressing, as heretofore, with the lancet or by poisoa, By G. H. Dadd, AL D.,
Vet€rinary practitioner.
Bool:s 2)uhlished by A. O. Mooke & Co.
DADD'S MODEEN HORSE DOCTOR, 1 00
An American Book for American Farmers ; Containing Practi-
cal Obsorvatious on the Causes, Nature and Treatment of Disease and Lameness of
Horses, embraeirig the Most Kecent and Approved Methods, according to an cnHghtened
systcui of Veterinary Practice, for the Preservation and Restoration of Health. With
illustrations.
DADD'S ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY QF THE HORSE, Plain, - 2 00
*' " " " " Colored Plates, 4 00
With Anatomical and Questional Illustrations ; Containing,
also, a Series of E.xaminatioiis on Equine Anatomy and Philosophy, with Instructions in
reference to Dissection and, the mode of making Anatomical Preparations ; to which is
added a Glossary of Veterinary Technicalities, Toxicological Chart, and Dictionary of
Veterinary Science.
DANA'S MUCK MANUAL, FOR THE USE QF FARMERS, - - 1 00
A Trk/vtise on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Soils
and Chomistj-y of Manures ; including, also, the subject of Composts, Artificial Manures
and Irrigation. A new edition, with a Chapter on Bones and Superpnosphates.
DANA'S PRIZE ESSAY ON MANURES, ------- 26
Submitted to the Trustees of the Massachusetts Society for
Promoting Agriculture, for their Premium. By Samuel H. Dana.
DOMESTIC AND ORNAMENTAL POULTRY, Plain Plates, . - - i 00
" " " Colored Plates, . - 2 00
A Treatise on the History and Management of Ornamental
and Domestic Poultry. By Rev. Edjiuxd Saul Dixon, A. M.,with large additions by
J. J. Kerr, M. D. Illustrated with sixty-five Original Portraits, engraved expressly for
this work. Fourth edition, revised.
DOWNING'S (A. J.) LANDSCAPE GARDENING, 3 60
Revised, Enlarged and Newly Illustrated, by Henry Win-
throp Sargent. This Great Work, which has accomplished so much in elevating the
American Taste for Rural Improvements, is now rendered doubly interesting and
valuable by the experience of all the Prominent Cultivators of Ornamental Trees in the
United States, and by the descriptions of American Places, Private Residences, Central
Park, New York, Llevi^ellyn Park, New Jersey, and a full account of the Newer Decidu-
ous and Evergreen Trees and Shrubs. The illustrations of this edition consist of seveti
superb steel plate engravings, by Smilue, Hinshelwooi>, Duxms and others ; besides 07w
hundred engravings on wood and stone, of the best American Residences and Parks, with
Portraits of many New or Remarkable Trees and Shrubs.
DOWNING'S (A. J.) RURAL ESSAYS, 3 00
On Horticulture, Landscape Gardening, Rural Architecture^
Trees, Agriculture, Fruit, with his Letters from England. Edited, with a Memoir of the
Author, by George Wm. Curtis, and a Letter to his Friends, by Frederika BREiren, and
an elegant Stcol Portrait of the Author.
EA5TW00D (B.) ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE CRANBERRY, 50
With a Description of the Best Varieties. By B. Eastwood,
" Septimus," of the New York Tribune. Illustrated.
ELLIOTT'S WESTERN FRUIT BOOK, 1 25
A New Edition ok this AVork, Thoroughly Revised. Em-
bracing all the Xi'w and Valuable Fruits, with the I^atest Improvements in their Cultiva-
tion, up to Januiiry, 1S5X especially adapted to the wants of Western Fruit Growers ;
fliU of excellent illustrations. By F. R. Ei.ijorr, Poinologist, late of Cleveland, Oliio, now
of St. Louis.
EVERY LADY HER OWN FLOWER GARDENER, - . - - 50
Addressed to the Industrious and Economical only ; containing
simple and practical Directions for Ctiltivating Plants and Flowers ; also, Hints for tho
Management of Flowers in Rooms, with brief Botanical Descriptions of Plants and
Flowai-s. The whole in plain imd simple language. By Louka Joilnson.
Jiooks pKhlUfwd hi/ A. (), JMooiiE &, Co.
FABM DRAINAGE, 1 00
The Pkixciplks, Pkocksses and Effects of Draining Land,
with Sloiios, Wouii, I)r;iin-plo\vs, Open Ditches, and especially with Tiles ; including
Tables of ll;unfall, Evaporation, Filtration, Excavation, capacity of J'ipes, cost and iiuin-
bor to the acre. With uioru thau 100 illustrations. By the Hon. IIenry F. Fktacu, of
New Hampshire.
FESSENDEN'S (T. G.) AMEKICAN KITCHEN GARDENER, - - 60
Co.xTAiNiNG Directions for the Cultivation of Vegetables and
Garden Fruits. Cloth.
FESSENDEN'S COMPLETE FARMER AND AMERICAN GARDENER, 1 25
Kukal Economist and New American Gardener ; Containiug
a Compendious Epitome of the most Important Branches of Agriculture and Rural
Economy ; with Practical Directions on the Cultivation of Fruits and Vegetables, includ-
ing Landscape and Oruamontal Gardening. By Thom^ G. Fesbenden. 2 vols, in 1.
FIELD'S PEAR CULTURE, - - 1 00
The Pear Garden ; or, a Treatise oa the Propagation and
Cultivation of the Pear Tree, with Instructions for its Management from the Seedling to
the Bearing Tree. By ThomjIS W. Field.
FISH CULTURE, 1 00
A Treatise on the Artificial Propagation of Fish, and the
Construction of Ponds, with the Description and Habits of such kinds of Fish as are most
suitable for Pisciculture. By Tueodatus Garuck, M. D., Vice-President of the Cleveland
Academy of Nat. Science.
FLINT ON GRASSES, - - - - 1 25
A Practical Treatise on Grasses and Forage Plants ; Com-
prising their Natural History, Comparative Nutritive Value^ Methods of Cultivation, Cut-
ting, Curing and the Management of Grass Lands. By Charles L. Flest, A. M., Secre-
tary of the Mass. State Board of Agriculture.
GUENON ON MILCH COWS, 60
A Treatise on Milch Cows, whereby the Quality and Quantity of
Milk which any Cow will give may bo accurately deterriiined by observing Natural
Marks or External Indications alone ; the length of time she will continue to give Milk,
&c., &c. By M. Franxls Guexon, of Libourne, France. Translated by Nichol.\.s P.
Trist, Esq. ; with Introduction, Remarks and Observations on the Cow and the Dairy,
by JoHX S. Skinxer. Illustrated with numerous Engravings. Neatly done up in paper
covers, 37 cts.
HERBERT'S HINTS TO HORSE-KEEPERS, 1 25
Complete Manual for Horsemen ; Embracing :
How TO Breed a Hor.se. How to Physic a Horse.
How TO Blty a Horse. (Allopathy axd Homceopathy.
How to Break a Horse. How to Groom a Horse.
How to Use a PTorse. How to Drr'e a Horse.
How to Feed a Horse. How to Ride a Horse.
And Chapters on Mules and Ponies. By the late Hexry William Herbert (Frank
Forre.ster) ; with additions, including Rarey's JIethod of Hor.se Taming, and Baucher's
System of Horsemanship ; also, giving directions for the Selection and Care of Carriages
and Harness of every description, from the City " Turn Out" to the Farmer's " Gear,"
and a Bio^'raphy of the eccentric Author. Illustrated throughout.
HOOPER'S DOG AND GUN, 50
A Few Loose Chapters on Shooting, among which will be
found 301113 Anecdotes and Incidents ; also Instructions for Dog Breaking, and interest-
ing letters from Sportsmen. By A Bad Shot.
HYDE'S CHINESE SUGAR CANE, 25
Containing its History, Mode of Culture, Manufacture of
the Sugar, &;c. ; with Reports of its success in different parts of the United States. ■
(5 Hooks piiblliihed by A, O. Mooke & Co.
JOHNSTON'S (JAMES F. W.) AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY, - 1 25
Lectures on the Application of Chemistry and Geology to
Agriculture. New Edition, with an Appendix, containing the Author's Experiments in
Practical Agriculture.
JOHNSTON'S (J. F. W.) ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURAL CHEM-
ISTRY AND GEOLOGY, 1 00
WfTH A Complete Analytical and Alphabetical Index, and an
American Preface. By Hon. Simon Brown, Editor of the " Xew England Farmer."
JOHNSTON'S (J. F. W.) CATECHISM OF AGRICULTURAL CHEM-
ISTRY AND GEOLOGY, , 26
By James F. W. Johnston, Honorary Member of the Royal
Agricultural Society of England, and author of "Lectures on Agricultural Chemistry
and Geology." With an Introduction by John Pitkin Norton,- M. A., late Professor of
Scientific Agriculture in Yale College. With Notes and Additions by the Author, pre-
pared expressly for this edition, and an Appendix compiled by the Superintendent of
Education in Nova Scotia. Adapted to the use of Schools.
LANGSTROTH (REV. L. L.) ON THE HIVE AND HONEY BEE, - 1 25
A Practical Treatise on the Hive and Honey Bee, Third
edition, enlarged and illustrated with numerous engravings. This Work is, without a
doubt, the best work on the Bee published in any langu;tge, whether we consider its
scientific accuracy, the practical instructions it contains, or the beauty and completeness
of its illustrations.
LEUCHARS' HOW TO BUILD AND VENTILATE HOTHOUSES, - 1 25
A Practical Treatise on the Construction, Heating and
Ventilation of Hothouses, including Conservatories, Greenhouses, Graperies and other
kinds of Horticultural Structures ; with Practical Directions for their Management, in
regard to Light, Heat and Air. Illustrated with numerous engravings. By P. B.
Lkuchars, Garden Architect.
LIEBIG'S (JUSTUS) FAMILIAR LECTURES ON CHEMISTRY, - 60
And its relation to Commerce, Physiology, and Agriculture.
Edited by John Gardener, II. D.,
LINSLEY'S MORGAN HORSES, 1 00
A Premium Essay on the Origin, History, and Characteristics
of this remarkable American Breed of Horses ; tracing the Pedigree from the original
Justin Morgan, through the most noted of his progeny, down to the present time.
With numerous portraits. To which are added Hints for Breeding, Breaking and Gene-
ral Use and Management of Horses, with practical Directions for Training them for
Exhibition at Agricultural Fairs. By D. C. Linsley, Editor of the American Stock
Journal.
MOORE'S RURAL HAND BOOKS, - - 1 25
First Series, containing Treatises on —
TiiK Horse, The Pests ok itte Farm,
The Hog, Domestic Fowis, and
The Honht Bee, The Cow.
Si:coND Series, containing — . . . _ 1 25
E\iRY Lady her own Flower Gardener, Essay on Manures,
l^i.iMENTS OF Agriculture, American Kitchen Gardener,
BiiiD Faxder, American Rose Culturlst.
Third Series, containing — 1 25
ilJLKS ON TIIE HOR'^E'S FOOT, ViNE-DRKSSER'S lyfANCAL,
The RABBrr Fanoer, Bee-Keeper's Chart,
Wei:k9 on Bees, Chemistry JIade East.
Fourth Series, containing — - , _ . 1 25
Pmisoz on the Vine, Hooper's Dog and Gun,
Li>niiG'.<? Famiuar Ij:tters, Skillful Housewife,
Browne's Mkmoirjj of Inohn Corn.
Hooka published by A. O. Muoue & Co.
aONER'S BEE-KEEPER'S MANTJAX, - - - - - - 1 00
Being a Practical Treatise on the History and Domestic
Economy of the lloiicy Bee, embracing, a Full Illustration of the whole subject, with
the Jlost Apinoveil Metho.ls of Managing this Insect, through every branch of its
Cnlturo ; the result of many years' experiv-mce. Illustrated with many engravings
By T. B. iliNKK.
MILES OX THE HORSE'S FOOT AND HOW TO KEEP IT SOUIO), 50
With Cuts, Illustrating the Anatomy of the Foot, and contain-
ing valuable Hints on Shoeing and Stable Management, in Health and in Disease. By
Wm. Miuvs.
inLBTJRN ON THE COW AND DAIRY HUSBANDRY, - - - 25
By M. M. MiLBURN, and revised by H. D. Richardson and Ambrose
STE^•K^•^. AVith illustrationa.
MUNN'S (B.) PRACTICAL LAND DRAINER, 60
Being a Treatise on Draining Land, in which the Most Ap-
proved Systems of Drainage are Explained, and their Differences and Comparative
Merits Discussed ; with full Directions for the Cutting and Making of Drains, with
Remark? Ui 'Oil the various materials of which thoy may bo constructed. With many
illustrations. By B. Mc.\n, Landscape Gardener.
NASH'S (J. A.) PROGRESSIVE FARMER, 60
A Scientific Treatise on Agricultural Chemistry, the Ge-
ology of Agriculture, on Plants and Animals, Manures and Soils, applied to Practical
Agriculture ; with a Catechism of Scientific and Practical Agriculture. By J. A. Nash.
NEILL'S PRACTICAL FRTJIT, FLOWER AND KITCHEN GARDEN-
ER'S COMPANION, - - - - - - - - - 1 00
With a Calendar. By Patrick Neill, Secretary of the Royal
Caledonian Horticultural Society. Adapted to the United States from the fourth
edition, revised and improved by the Author. Edited by G. Emersox, M. D., Editor of
" The American Farmer's Encyclopedia." With Notes and Additions b}' R. G. Pardee,
author of " Manual of the Strawberry Culture." With illustrations.
NORTON'S (JOHN P.) ELEMENTS OF SCIENTIFIC AGRICULTURE, 60
Or, the Connection between Science and the Art of Practical
Farming. Prize Essay of the New York State Agricultural Society. By Johx P. NoR-
Tox, M. A., Professor of Scientific Agriculture in Yale College. Adapted to the use of
Schools.
OLCOTT'S SORGHO AND IMPHEE, THE CHINESE AND AFRICAN
SUGAR CANES, 100
A Complete Treatise upon their Origin and Yarieties, Culture
and Uses, their value as a Forage Crop, and Directions for making Sugar, Molasses,
Alcohol, Sparkling and Still Wines, Beer, Cider, \1negar, Paper, Starch and Dye Stuffs.
Fully illustrated with Drawings of Approved Machinery ; with an Appendix by Leoxard
Wray, of Caffraria, and a Description of his Patented Process of Crystallizing the Juice
of the Imphee ; with the Latest American Experiments. By Hexry S. Olcott.
PARDEE (R. G.) ON STRAWBERRY CULTURE, -.'--- 60
A Complete Manual for the Cultivation of the Strawberry ;
with a Description of the Best Varieties.
Also notices of the Ras])berry, Blackberry, Currant, Gooseberry and Grape ; with
Directions for their Cultivation, and the Selection of the Best Varieties. " Every process
here recommended has been proved, the plans of others tried, and the result is here
given." With a Valuable Appendix, containing the observations and experience of some
of the most successful cultivators of these fruits in our country.
PEDDERS' (JAMES) FARMEPvS' LAND MEASURER, - - - - 50
Or Pocket Companion ; Showing at one view the Contents of
any Pieca of land, from Dimensions taken in Yards. With a Set of Useful Agricultural
Tables.
8 JBooJcs jniblished h>j A. O. Moore &, Co.
PEESOZ' CULTTJEE OF THE VINE, - - 25
A New Process for the Culture of the Yine, by Persoz, Pro-
fessor of the Faculty of Soieuces of Strasbourg ; Directing Professor of the School of Phar-
macy of the same city. Translated by J. CO. Bakci^vy, Surgeon U. S. N.
PHELPS' BEE KEEPEE'S CHAET, 25
Being a Brief Practical Treatise on the Instinct, Habits and
Management of the Honey Bee, in all its various branches, the result of many years'
practical experience, whereby the author has been enabled to divest the subject of
much that has been considered mysterious and. difficult to overcome, and render it
more sure, profitable and interesting to every one, than it has heretofore been. By E.
W. Phelps.
QUINBY'S MYSTERIES OF BEE-KEEPING EXPLAINED, - - 1 GO
Being a Complete Analysis of the Whole Subject, Consisting
of the Natural History of Bees ; Directions for obtiiining the Greatest Amount of Pure
Surplus Honey with the least possible exix'nse ; Remedies for I/)sses Given, and the
Science of Luck fully illustrated ; the result of more than twenty years' experience in
extensive Apiaries. By M. Quinby.
BANDALL'S (H. S.) SHEEP HUSBANDRY, 1 25
With an Account of the Different Breeds, and general direc-
tions in regard to Summer and Winter Management, Breeding and the Treatment of
Diseases, with Portraits and other engravings. By Hksry S. Randall.
REEMELIN'S (CHAS.) VINE DRESSER'S MANUAL, - - - 60
An Illustrated Treatise on Vineyards and Wine-Making,
containing full Instructions as to Location and Soil, Preparation of Ground, Selection and
Propagation of Vines, the Treatment of Young Vineyards, Trimming and Training the
Vines, Manures and the Making of Wine.
RICHARDSON ON HOGS, - - - 25
Their Origin, Varieties and Management, with a Yiew to Profit
and Treatment under Disease ; also, plain Directions relative to the Most Approved
Modes of Preserving their Flesh. By H. D. Richardson, author of " The Hive and th3
Honey Bee," &c., &c. With illustrations.
RICHARDSON ON THE HIVE AND THE HONEY BEE, - - - 25
With Plain Directions for Obtaining a Considerable Annual
Income from this branch of Rural Economy ; also, an Account of the Diseases of Bees
and their Remedies, and Remarks as to their Enemies, and the best mode of protecting
the Hives from their attacks. By H. D. Richardson. With illustrations.
RICHARDSON ON DOMESTIC FOWLS, 25
Their Natural History,- Breeding, Re.iring, and General
Management. By H. D. Richardson. AVith ilUustrations.
RICHARDSON ON THE HORSE, 25
Their Origin and Varieties ; with Plain Directions as to the
Breeding, Rcariug and General ifanageniont, with Instructions as to the Treatment of
Disease. Handsomely illustrated. ]?y II. 1). Kicuakd.so.v.
RICHARDSON ON THE PESTS OF THE FARM, - - - - 25
• With Instructions for their Extirpation ; being a Manual of
Plain Directions for the Certain Destruction of every description of Vermin. With
numerous illustrations on Wood.
RICHARDSON ON DOGS ; THEIR ORIGIN AND VARIETIES, - 50
Directions as to their General Management. With numerous
Original Anecdotes. Also, (umiilet.' Instructions as to Treatment under Disease. By H.
D. RiciiAKOsoN. Illustrated with numcM'ouR wo(;d engravings.
• This is not only a cheai), but one of the best works ever published on the Dog.
SCHENCK'S GARDENER'S TEXT BOOK, ------ 50
Containing Directions for the Formation and Management
of th« Kitchen Garden, the Culture and Use of Vegetables, Fruits and Medicinal Horhs.
Boohs published by A. O. Mooee & Co. 9
SHEPHERD'S OWN BOOK, 2 00
With an Account of the Different Bkeeds, Diseases and Man-
agenieut ol'Sheup, and General Directions ia regard to Summer and Winter Managcmcut,
Breeding and the Treatment of Diseases • with illustrative engravings by Yocait &
Randall ; embracing Skinner's Notes. on the Breed and Management of Sheep ia tho
United States, and ou the Culture of Fine Wool.
STEWART'S STABLE BOOK, 1 00
A Treatise on the Management of Horses, in Eelation to
stabling, Grooming, Feeding, Watering and Working, Construction of Stables, Ventila-
tion, Appendages of Stables, Management of tho Feet, and of Diseased and Defective
Hursos:. By Joiiv Stewart, Veterinary Surgeon. With Notes and Additions, adapting
it to American Foud and Climate. By A. B. Allen, Editor of tlie American Agriculturi.st.
STRAY LEAVES FROM THE BOOK OF NATURE, - - - - 1 00
By M. Schele De Yere, of the University of Virginia.
Contents : I. Only a Pebiu^.
n. Nature lv Motion.
III. TfiE Ocean and its Life.
IV. A Chat about Plants.
V. Younger Ye.\r.s of a Plant.
Yl. liiTER Years of a Plant.
Vn. Pi^NT Mummies.
Vin. UxKN'owN Tongues.
IX. A Trip to the JIoon.
STEPHENS' (HENRY) BOOK OF THE FARM, 4 00
A Complete Guide to the Farmer, Steward, Plowman, Cattle-
man, Shepherd, Field Worker and Dairy Maid. By Hentjy Stephe.vs. With Four Hun-
dred and Fifty illustrations ; to which are added Explanatory Notes, Remarks, &c., by
J. S. Skinner. Really one of the best books a farmer can possess.
SKILLFUL HOUSEWIFE, 50
Or Complete Guide to Domestic Cookery, Taste, Comfort, and
Economy, embracing 659 Recipes pi-rtaining to Household Duties, the Care of Health,
Gardening, Birds, Education of Children, &c., &c. By Mrs. L. G. Abell.
SKINNER'S ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE, 25
Adapted to the Use of American Farmers. By F. G. Skinner^
SMITH'S (C. H. J.) LANDSCAPE GARDENING, PARKS AND
PLEASURE GROUNDS, 1 25
AYith Practical Notes on Country Residences, Yillas, Public
Parks and Gardens. By Ciurles H. J. Smith, Landscape Gardener and Garden Archi
tect. With Notes and Additions by Lewls F. Allen, author of" Rural Architecture."
THAER'S (ALBERT D.) AGRICULTURE, 2 00
The Principles of Agriculture, by Albert D. Thaer ; Trans-
lated by WiLUAM Shaw and Cuthbekt W. Johnson, Esq., F. R. S. With a Memoir of
the Author. 1 vol. 8vo.
This work is regarded, by those who arc competent to judge, as one of the most
valuable works that has ever appeared on the subject of Agriculture. At the same time
that it is eminently practical, it is philosophical, and, even to the general reader, re-
markably entertaining.
THOMAS' (J. J.) FARM IMPLEMENTS, - 1 00
And the Principles of their Construction and Use ; an Ele-
mentary and familiar Treatise on Jlochanics and Natural Philosophy, as applied' to the
ordinary piiicti.;- :s of Agriculture. Witli 200 illustrations.
THOMPSON (R. D.) ON THE FOOD OF ANIMALS, - - - 75
Experimental. Researches on the Food of Animals and the
Fattening of Cattle ; with Remarks on the Food of Man. liasud upon Experiments under-
taken by order of the British Government, by Robert Dvndas 'I'homi'sok. 1L D.,
Lecturer on Practical Chemistry, University of Glasgow.
10 Books puhliahed by A. O. Moore & Co.
THE ROSE CULTURIST, 50
Being a Practical Treatise on the Propagation, Cultivation,
and Management of the Rose in all seasons ; with a List of Choice and Approved Varie-
ties, adapted to the Climate of the United States ; to which is added full directions for
the Treatment of the Dahlia. Illustrated by engravings.
TOPHAM'S CHEMISTRY MADE EASY, - ^ 25
For the Use of Farmers. By J. Topiiam.
TURNER'S COTTON PLANTER'S MANUAL, 1 00
Being a Compilation of Facts from the Best Authorities on
the Culture of Cotton, its Natural History, Chemical Analysis, Trade and Consumption,
and embracing a History of Cotton and the Cotton Gin. By J. A. Turner.
WARDER'S (J. A.) HEDOES AND EVERGREENS, - - - - 1 00
A Complete Manual for the Cultivation, Pruning and Man-
agement of all Plants suitable for American Hedging, especially the Madura or Osage
Orange. Fully illustrated with engravings of plants, implements and processes. To
which is added a Treatise on Evergreens, their different Varieties, their propagation,
transplanting and Culture in the United States.
WARING'S ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE, 75
A Book for Young Farmers, with Questions for the use of
Schools.
WEEKS (JOHN M.) ON BEES-A MANUAL, 60
Or, an Easy Method of Managing Bees in the most profit-
able manner to their Owner ; with Infallible Rules to Prevent their Destruction by the
Moth. With an Appendix, by Wooster A. Fiaxdki«.
WHITE'S (W. N.) GARDENING FOR THE SOUTH, .... 1 25
Or, the Kitchen and Fruit Garden, with the Best Methods
for their Cultivation ; together with Hints upon Landscape and Flower Gardening ; con-
taining Modes of Culture and Descriptions of the Species and Varieties of the Cuhnary
Vegetables, Fruit Trees and Fruits, an;l a Select List of Ornamental Trees and Plants,
Adapted to the States of the Union South of Pennsylvania, with Gardening Calendars for
the same. By Wm. N. White, of Athens, Georgia.
YOUATT AND MARTIN ON CATTLE, 1 25
Being a Treatise on their Breeds, Management, and Diseases,
comprising a Full H. story of the Various Races ; their Origin, Breeding and Merits ;
their capacity for Bjef and ililk. By W. Yoitatt and W. C. L. Martix. The whole form-
ing a Complete Guide for the Farmer, the Amateur and the Veterinary Surgeon, with 100
illustrations. Edited by Ambrosse Ste\'e\3.
YOUATT ON THE HORSE, - - 1 25
Youatt on the Structure and Diseases of the Horse, with
their Remedies ; also. Practical Rules for Buyers, Breeders, Smiths, &c. Edited by W.
C. Spoonor, M.R.C.V.S. With an Account of the Breeds in the United States, by IIkn-ry
S. Raxdall.
YOUATT ON SHEEP, 75
Their Breed, Management and Diseases, with Ilhistrative En-
gravings ; to which are added Remarks on the Breeds and Management of Sheep in the
United States, and on the Culture of Fine Wool in Silesia. By \Ym. Youait.
YOUATT AND MARTIN ON THE HOG, 75
A Treatise on the Breeds, Management, and Medical Treat-
ment of Swine, with Directions for Salting Pork and Curing Ricon and Hams. By Wm.
Youatt, V. S.,and W. C. L. JUrti.v. Edited by Ambrose Sxevexs. Illustrated with
engravings drawn from life.
Books puhlished hy A, O. 'Moore &, Co. 11
Moore's Hand Books of Kural and Domestic Economy.
ALL ARRANGED AND ADAPTED TO THE USE OF AMERICAN FARMERS.
Pico 'iT* C«n««i Elacli.
Hoas,
Their Origin, Varieties and Management, with a View to Pro-
fit and Treatment under Disease ; also, Plain Directions relative to the Most Approved
Modes of Preserving their Flesh. By H. D. Richardson. With illustrations
THE HIVE AlH) THE HONEY BEE,
With Plain Directions for Obtaining a Considerable Annual
Income from this branch of Rural Economy ; also, an Account of the Diseases of Bees
and their Remedies, and Remarks as to their Enemies, and the best mode of protecting
the Hives from their attacks. By H. D. Richakdson. With illustrations.
DOMESTIC FOWLS,
Their Natural History, Breeding, Rearing and General
Management. By H. D. Richardson. With illustrations.
THE HOESE,
Their Origin and Varieties ; with Plain Directions as to the
Breedmg, Rearing and General Management ; with instructions as to the Treatment of
Disease Handsomely illustrated. By H. D. Richardson.
THE HOSE,
The American Rose Culturist ; being a Practical Treatise on the
Propagation, Cultivation and Management in all Seasons, &c. ; with full directions for
the treatment of the Dahlia.
THE PESTS OF THE FARM,
With Instructions for their Extirpation ; being a Manual of
Plain Directions for the Certain Destruction of every description of Vermin. With
numerous illustrations on wood.
AN ESSAY ON MANUEES,
Submitted to the Trustees of the Massachusetts Society for
Promoting Agriculture, for their Premium. By Samuel H. Dana.
THE AMERICAN BIRD FANCIER,
Considered with Reference to the Breeding, Rearing, Feed-
ing, Management and Peculiarities of Cago and House Birds. Illustrated with Engrav-
ings . By D. Jay Browne.
CHEMISTRY MADE EASY,
For the Use of Farmers. By J. Topham.
ELEMENTS OF AGRICULTURE,
Translated from the French, arid Adapted to the use of American
Farmers. By F. G. Skinner.
THE HORSE'S FOOT, AND HOW TO KEEP IT SOUND,
With Cuts, illustrating the Anatomy of the Foot, and containing
valuable Hints on Shoeing and Stable Management, both in Health and Disease. By Wm.
illLES.
THE SKILLFUL HOUSEWIFE,
Or, Complete Guide to Domestic Cookery, Taste, Comfort and
Economy, embracing 659 Recipes i)ertiiining to Household Duties, the Care of Health,
Gardening, Birds, Education of Children, &c., &c. By Mrs. L. G. Abell.
THE AMERICAN KITCHEN GARDENER,
Containing Directions for the Cultivation of Vegetables and
Garden Fruits. By T. G. Fbssentdkn.
12 Boohs puhlUhul hy A. O. Moore <fc Co.
CHINESE SUGAE CANE AND STJGAE-IEAKING,
Its History, Culture and Adaptation to the Soil, Climate
and Economy of the United States, with an Account of Various Processes of Manufactur-
iog Sugar. Drawn from authentic sources by Cucaeles F» StansburYj A. M., lato Com-
missioner at the Exhibition of all Nations at Loudon.
PERSOZ' CULTURE OF THE VINE,
A New Process for the Culture of the Yine, by Persoz, Pro-
fessor of the Faculty of Sciences of Strasbourg ; Directing Professor of the School of
Pharmacy of the same city. Translated by J. O'C. Barclay, Surgeon, U. S. N.
THE BEE-KEEPER'S CHART,
Being a Brief, Practical Treatise on the Instinct, Habits and
Management of the Honey Bee, in all its various branches, the result of many years'
practical experience, whereby the author has been enabled to divest the subject of
much that has been considered mysterious and difficult to overcome, and render it
more sure, profilable and interesting to every one, than it has heretofore been. By E.
W. Pdelps.
JgVERY LADY HER OWN GARDENER,
Addressed to the Industrious and Economical only; containing
Simple and Practical Directions for Cultivating Plants and Flowers ; also. Hints for the
Management of Flowers in Rooms, with Brief Botanical Descriptions of Plants and
Flowers. The whole in Plain and simple language. By Ix)Uisa Johnson.
THE COW; DAIRY HUSBANDRY AND CATTLE BREEDING,
By M. M. Milburn, and Revised by H. D. Richardson and
Ambrose Stevens. AVith illustrations.
WILSON ON THE CULTURE OF FLAX,
Its Treatment, Agricultural and Technical ; delivered before
the New York State Agricultural Society, at the Annual Fair at Saratoga, in September
last, by John Wilson, late President of the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester
England.
WEEKS ON BEES ; A MANUAL,
Or, an Easy Method of Managing Bees in the most profitable
manner to their owner, with Infallible Rules to Prevent their Destruction by the Jloth ;
with an Appendix by "VVooster A. Flanders.
KEEMELIN'S (GHAS.) VINE DRESSERS' MANUAI,
Containing full Instructions as to Location and Soil ; Prepara-
tion of Ground ; Selection and Propagation of Vines ; The Treatment of a Young Vine-
yard ; Trimming and Training the Vines 5 Manures and the Making of Wine. Every
department illustrated. -^
HYDE'S CHINESE SUGAR CANE,
Containing its History, Mode of Culture, Manufacture of the
Sugar, &c. ; with Reports of its success in ditferent parts of the United States.
BEMENT'S (C. M.) RABBIT FANCIER,
A Treatise on the Breeding, Reading, Feeding, and General
Management of Rabbits, with Remarks upon their Diseases and Remedies ; to which
arc added Full Directions for the Construction of Hutches, Rabbitries, &c., together with
Recipes for cooking and dressing for the table.
RICHARDSON ON DOGS ; THEIR ORIGIN AND VARrETIES,
Directions as to their General Management. With numerous
Original Anec.lotes ; also, Comjilcte Instructions as to Treatment under Disease. By H
D. liiciiARrwoN. Illustrated with numeioiis wood engraving.^.
Tliis is not o!)ly a ctK^ip, but one of the best works ever published on the Dog.
LIEBIG'S- (JUSTUS) FAMILIAR LETTERS ON CHEMISTRY,
And its Relation to Commerce, Physiology, and Agriculture.
• Edited by Joiix (JaRdexer, M. P.
THE DOG AND GUN,
A Frw Looi^E Ch.apters on Shooting, among- which will be found
some .\necdot(s and Incidents ; also, Instructions for Dog Brcak'ing, and interesting let
ters froni Sporfsuicn. By A Bad Shot.
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